Captaining Great Britain will be the greatest achievement in Jamie Peacock's already

glittering career.

Peacock was yesterday confirmed as original choice Paul Sculthorpe's replacement for the forthcoming Gillette Tri-Nations.

Wigan winger Brian Carney will serve as his deputy.

Peacock has claimed a swag of trophies with the Bulls and, in 2003, he received the game's highest individual honour when he was named Man of Steel.

"Quite a lot of people have won Man of Steel but hardly anyone gets to captain their country," said Peacock.

"It's not something I ever dreamed of doing, to be honest. I just wanted to get into a Super League team. Being captain of Great Britain was the furthest thing from my mind.

"I know it's come in a bad way with Scully getting injured but you still take these kind of awards."

Peacock yesterday faced the TV cameras at an Odsal press conference to announce his appointment but he admitted the news hadn't yet sunk in.

"I know there will be a lot more responsibility but it probably won't sink in until we get into camp and then start playing," he said.

The young Lions will be without Sculthorpe and former skipper Andy Farrell but Peacock believes that could play into their favour.

"Scully is a big loss but we have got a lot of young players coming through who are good enough to get in there and do a job. With how well we went last year there might be some expectations on us but, because we've lost so many key players, we are in a bit of a no-lose situation. We can just play as well as we can and hope to do as well as we can."

A host of leading players from all three countries have already been ruled out of the series and Peacock accepts he is in for a gruelling end to the season.

"It is tough, there are no two ways about it. Having to play to that intensity after such a long season is tough.

"My personal view is that we should play fewer club games and be fresher at international level. But everyone who plays for Great Britain wants to do it, they want to play for their nation so it is something you just get on with and enjoy doing."

Leeds-bound Peacock will likely square off against Kiwi duo Lesley Vainikolo and Shontayne Hape.

"I'll be looking forward to playing against them - getting myself ready for next year," he joked.