Peacock’s split season solution

ENGLAND captain Jamie Peacock advocates a split season in order to get the best out of rugby league's young talent.

With the switch to a more temperate climate set to take place across the sport in 2012, the former Stanningley amateur says that children should be protected from the excesses not only of winter but also of the most scorching summer months.

"My son is six and I took him to play for the first time in January — and that was probably a mistake," said Peacock, who is hoping for a role in the RFL corridors of power when he hangs up his boots.

"It is freezing, especially when you are standing about watching, and it is just no fun.

"My own view is that rugby league should run a split season. Play through April, May and June and then September, October, November.

"Especially with kids, I think three months of playing followed by three months' training and another three months of playing would be the way to go.

"That way, you miss the hottest part of summer and the worst of winter."

Peacock, who recently visited Saddleworth Rangers to give a talk on his career, will be back putting youngsters through their paces at Shaw Hall Bank Road in three months' time.

The Greenfield venue is one of six amateur clubs hosting his three-day activity camps which Peacock hopes will provide the children who attend them with lasting memories.

"The idea is to have fun, learn new skills and met the stars," he said. "I want children to come away and think 'that was a great three days'."

Commando Joes' Fun and Fitness — a local firm who provide military-style sessions — are also present on the final day of the course at Rangers and club chairman Terry Flanagan is enthusiastic about the venture.

"There is a lot of innovation going on and Jamie has reinvigorated the camps concept," said Rangers chairman Terry Flanagan. "We are excited to support it."

o JAMIE Peacock's All-Star Activity Camp takes place at Saddleworth Rangers ARLFC's home ground at Shaw Hall Bank Road, Greenfield and runs from Monday, August 22, through to Wednesday, August 24.

At least three of the following Super League stars will be in attendance on the last day, along with Peacock: Danny Buderus (Leeds), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds), Rob Burrow (Leeds), Danny McGuire (Leeds), Richie Mathers (Castleford), Nick Scruton (Bradford), Adrian Morley (Warrington), Garreth Carvell (Warrington), Leon Pryce (St Helens), Jamie Langley (Bradford), Andy Lynch (Bradford) and Brett Ferres (Castleford).

The cost per child is £45 and the three-day camp is open for those aged between six and 14. Forms are available from Rangers and bookings can also be made through the website www.jamiepeacock.co.uk