Peacock will have ligament reconstruction surgery after the final

Leeds Rhinos prop Jamie Peacock will miss the rest of the season after being told he needs knee ligament surgery.

The England skipper, 32, will miss his first Leeds Challenge Cup final and the Four Nations Series down under.

"I am stunned to be out of action for six to eight months and it has been a bit bewildering," Peacock said.

Peacock, who is set to join fellow front row Luke Burgess on the sidelines at Wembley, suffered the injury during Friday's 38-6 win at Castleford.

He added: "The injury did not feel any worse than previous knocks but the scans have revealed the worst possible news."

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Peacock, who twice won the Challenge Cup with his previous club Bradford but has never played at Wembley, added: "It is obviously very disappointing, it goes to show how cruel rugby league can be.

"I now have to do everything possible to get myself back fit for the start of next year."

Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McClennan said: "We are devastated for JP. He has worked so hard this year to get us in the current position we are in with a chance of fourth, in a good position for the play-offs and through to the Challenge Cup final.

"We have now lost two of our props and that gives us an extra challenge to lift up and go forward."

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