Jamie Peacock was helped off in the home win over Warrington on 14 May

England captain Jamie Peacock is set to make an unexpectedly early return from injury for Leeds against Wigan in Saturday's Challenge Cup quarter-final.

Peacock was ruled out for up to six weeks with a knee injury in the 26-16 win over Warrington a fortnight ago.

But his injury has responded well to treatment, which could also give him the opportunity to play for England against France at Leigh on 13 June.

Samoan international Ali Lauitiiti may also return for Leeds on Saturday.

Lauitiiti has been out for over a month with a torn calf injury suffered prior to Leeds' 48-24 fourth round win at Hull on 17 April.

But Rhinos will still be without Rob Burrow, who is ruled out with a knee injury, and full-back Brent Webb, who completes a two-game ban.

Luke Burgess picked up an injury in last Sunday's 26-12 win at Bradford and is not included in the 19 man squad.

606: DEBATE Can't believe JP is going to play. When he first got injured they were talking 4-6 weeks out at best. Hope he's not been rushed back too early. MossdaleRhino

While Peacock's possible presence on Saturday is a surprise boost for Steve McNamara, ahead of his first game at the helm, the new England coach will also have an interest at Headingley in the private battle at stand-off between Leeds' Danny McGuire an Wigan's Sam Tomkins.

McGuire and Tomkins were the half-backs in England's 26-16 defeat by eventual winners Australia in the Four Nations last autumn.

But McGuire was then dropped when St Helens youngster Kyle Eastmond was brought in at scrum-half, with Tomkins taking over in the number six shirt.

And they now find themselves on Saturday not only rivals for a place in the Challenge Cup semi-finals but in the England team to play France in a fortnights time.

"I'm the older half-back these days with other youngsters like Richie Myler and Kyle Eastmond on the scene," said McGuire, 27. "But that competition for places can only be good for Super League and England.

"I still want to play for England. And I thought Sam and I started to get it together a bit in the second half against Australia.

"Nobody in their right mind would have chosen Leeds away Wigan stand-off Sam Tomkins

"The first time I came across Sam was training with England last year and he is an exciting talent with a great head on his shoulders.

"He's going to be a massive dangerman on Saturday and we'll have to keep a close eye on him but Wigan are strong in every department these days with their forwards laying the platform.

That sort of respect is mutual, 21-year-old Tomkins admitting: "Nobody in their right mind would have chosen Leeds away but we've had quite a bit of success over there in recent years and will make sure we prepare well.

"Leeds had a disappointing start to the season by their standards but have shown their true colours in recent weeks. Good teams don't suddenly become bad overnight.

"Danny has proved his quality over a number of years and when I was first called up by England last year I could see first hand his ability. He plays a similar style to me but I can learn so much from him."

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