Peacock backs Exiles games

Jamie Peacock believes England are behind the Exiles concept following their 18-10 victory over Super League's Antipodean talent.

England ditched the traditional mid-season game against France last year in favour of taking on top-flight players from the likes of Australia and New Zealand.

Steve McNamara's men have a tough task winning the World Cup on home soil next season and Peacock is pleased the league has persisted with games against the Exiles.

"The England boys are behind it. It's something we need to run with."
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This year the games have been expanded to a two-game series and the Leeds Rhinos veteran has backed the continuation of the concept.

Momentum

"I like to think it's gathering momentum," explained Peacock.

"The England boys are behind it. It's something we need to run with.

"Often in rugby league we quit doing something too soon rather than let it get some legs."

England opened up a 12-0 lead thanks to tries from second row pair Gareth Hock and Danny Tickle but the Exiles pulled a try back just before half-time through winger Francis Meli.

Full-back Sam Tomkins' opportunist try early in the second half effectively killed off the contest, although the battling Exiles had the last say when centre Daryl Millard touched down for their second try.

Performance

"I thought it was a good performance," he continued. "We were up against a good side.

"We started well. It was difficult in the conditions but we were well in control of the game. We spilled too much ball in the second half, so that is something we've got to work on for the second game.

"Once it starts raining like that, the ball becomes a bar of soap. It's hard to explain how difficult it is to carry the ball in hard contact when the ball is like that.

"We looked quite slick at times. They were pretty desperate in defence to stop us from scoring."