Peacock won Grand Final honours with Leeds this season

The 29-year-old led the Lions in the Tri-Nations series of 2005 and 2006 and got the nod ahead of Adrian Morley.

"Jamie has done a terrific job in the absence of Paul Sculthorpe," said coach Tony Smith.

"Once we came through fit from the Grand Final series, he was a fairly obvious choice."

Morley led Britain in Peacock's absence in the mid-season Test against France and also captained the Northern Union in Saturday's defeat by the All Golds in the centenary international.

The Warrington forward was cleared to play next Saturday after a video review panel ruled he had no case to answer having been put on report for an alleged high tackle during the All Golds match.

However, Peacock's Leeds team-mate Danny McGuire has been ruled out of the opening Test after X-rays revealed he sustained a fracture to his hand in Saturday's game.

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"He won't be able to play this weekend but there is no displacement and we think he will be available for the last two games," said Smith.

Hull centre Kirk Yeaman was able to train on Monday, despite aggravating an ankle strain against the All Golds, and Wigan loose-forward Sean O'Loughlin has fully recovered from a hand injury.

Smith has named five uncapped players in his 25-man squad for the Test series.

Bradford's 18-year-old star Sam Burgess, Samoa-born Maurie Fa'asavalu of St Helens, Bradford's Michael Platt, Warrington's Jon Clarke and Jamie Jones-Buchanan of Leeds will all be hoping to make their debuts.

Smith said: "I believe this is a very strong squad, which is a nice blend of youth and experience, who are ready to face what will be three very difficult games against Gary Kemble's New Zealand.

"With the World Cup in Australia less than 12 months away I thought it important to bring in some new faces.

"By giving them an opportunity to be part of the squad now, and maybe feature in some of the games, I think we'll benefit from it greatly further down the line."

The Kiwis play Great Britain in Huddersfield on 27 October and move on to Hull on 3 November and Wigan on 10 November.

They complete their tour with a one-off Test against France in Paris on 17 November.