Peacock puts boot in on Brad
JAMIE PEACOCK has hit back at former Australia Test captain Brad Fittler after he labelled Tommy Makinson’s Golden Boot win “ridiculous”.
The St Helens winger was given the award as the year’s top international performer on Wednesday, but Fittler – a former winner who is coach of New South Wales – claimed he had not even seen him play.
Mirror Sport columnist Peacock responded: “When I first heard Tommy’s name mentioned for the Golden Boot, my initial thought was – worthy winner.
“I wondered how long it would be before we heard an Australian who doesn’t understand it pipe up and say they haven’t seen him play and he isn’t worthy.
“Low and behold it was the same old story.
“Tommy Makinson has clearly been the best international player this year by some distance.
“The guy who pushes him closest is another England player in Elliott Whitehead, because in the three internationals we’ve played this year against New Zealand, we’ve had the best performers.
“That’s what the Golden Boot is all about and the criteria they pick it from.
“Tommy does everything you expect from a top level winger. He carries the ball hard, plays well above his weight and is fearless under the high ball.
“Not only that but he’s saved tries for England against much bigger men than himself, and has scored some absolutely sublime tries. For me, he’s the outstanding candidate.”
Peacock says the fact Makinson plays in Super League should not detract from his achievement.
He added: “Because there’s a perception about our competition and the standard, there will always be critics. But England won the current Test series against New Zealand with a backline made up entirely of Super League players.”