Bulls coach Matthew Elliott is tipping emerging back-rower Jamie Peacock for a big future after admitting he has been surprised at the extent of his progress.

Peacock, 23, pipped several big-name contenders, including Henry Paul and Brad Mackay, for the man-of-the-match award in Sunday's Super League rout of Warrington Wolves.

He is sure to be a marked man when the sides battle it out at Headingley on Saturday for a place in the Challenge Cup final.

"I have always credited myself with being a pretty good judge of rugby league talent but I got Jamie wrong," confessed Elliott.

"He's going to be much better than I thought he was going to be. I always thought he was going to be a good first team player but I think I sold him a bit short."

Peacock has even been mentioned as a possible outsider for a place in the England squad for the World Cup at the end of the season after making rapid strides in the last year.

But Elliott said: "It is a bit unfair to put that sort of pressure on an individual. What I would say is that he can become a first-class first team player.

"He works his socks off in training and has some great role models in the club, people like Brian McDermott and James Lowes who have such a great work ethic."

Peacock forced his way into the starting line-up for the first time this season last weekend and is favourite to hang on to a place alongside Mike Forshaw despite stiff competition from Hudson Smith and experienced duo Bernard Dwyer and David Boyle.

Meanwhile, fans have until 7.30pm tonight to get tickets from Odsal in advance of the semi-final.

The club reported another steady sale yesterday and look well on course for a following in excess of 10,000.

"Sales have gone very well and we also expect many fans to pay on the day," said media manager Stuart Duffy.

"But the tickets have to go back to Headingley on Friday morning so we will be wrapping up sales at 7.30pm tonight."

The final at Murrayfield is heading for a 67,500 sell-out. Sales have already broken the 30,000-barrier for the match - the first time it has been held in Scotland.

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