Former England and Great Britain captain Jamie Peacock has backed Jack Welsby to be a standout performer at the Rugby League World Cup.
The Wigan Warriors star made a flying start last weekend, playing an integral role as England romped to an impressive 60-6 victory over Samoa.
Welsby scored the first try of the World Cup and provided both assists for Dominic Young to put the hosts 18-6 ahead at half-time.
Shaun Wane’s side surged further in front after the break to lay down a marker against a team that was tipped to do well at the tournament.
Peacock has been impressed by what he seen from Welsby at club level and believes he has the talent to be a major star at the World Cup.
“I think Jack Welsby could be a player that, if England play well and go deep into the tournament, will be talked about,” he told online betting site Betway.
“I watched him play in the Grand Final and thought he was outstanding in the first 20 minutes of the second half.
“I think he’s got all the capabilities to make a big impression. He’s such a natural, instinctive player and he sees opportunities in games that other players don’t.”
Peacock undoubtedly knows what it takes to be a top performer in rugby league having won a ton of silverware during his illustrious career.
He played for Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls in the Super League, winning the title on nine occasions with the two Yorkshire clubs.
Peacock also won four Challenge Cups, four World Club Challenges and was twice named as the Best Forward in the World.
He was part of the England teams that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup on two occasions and was awarded an MBE for his services to rugby last year.
One of Peacock’s most noteworthy career achievements was winning the Player of the Tournament at the 2000 World Cup.
He was omitted from the first game, but grabbed his chance with both hands when brought into the starting line-up by head coach John Kear.
Although England were eliminated by New Zealand in the last four, Peacock believes the tournament was the making of him as a player.
“I didn’t get picked for the first game against Australia and I just thought that if I get my chance, I’m going to give the coach no choice but to pick me again,” Peacock added.
“I was outside Sean Long, which was good for me. He was a great ball player and a great half back and I was wide-running back rower.
“To win Player of the Tournament for England was just huge given all the quality players we had like Andy Farrell, Adrian Morley and Long. There were some wonderful players in there.
“To come from the outside and make my name on the international stage was great, and I think that’s another great thing about the World Cup.
“You get some people who are unknown and might become big names on the back of performing well in the World Cup. It’s a great platform to launch your career.”
