Popular Bradford Bulls centre Danny Peacock today announced his retirement from rugby league.

The 31-year-old Aussie took the decision after last week's cartilage operation left him facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines - less than a year after a major knee reconstruction.

Bull coach Matthew Elliott said: "It has been a difficult decision to make and a difficult one to make public.

"I am disappointed that he has been forced to retire but it is a measure of the man that he did not want to let the side down. The specialist has advised him to quit and the fact that he has three children was a major part of his decision.

"As well as being one of my players, Danny is also a close friend. It is testament to his character that he has never caused any problems. He has been great for the club and his attitude with the players has been magnificent.

"I would like to wish him all the best and I know that his quality as a person will make sure that whatever career he chooses outside of football will be a success."

Peacock, who is expected to head back home in the next few weeks, joined the Bulls from South Queensland Crushers in November 1996.

He went on to play a key role in the club's Super League title success the following year scoring 16 tries in his first season.

His form was enough to gain selection for the Stones Dream Team selected by a panel of journalists, coaches and League officials.

He was also a try scorer in the Challenge Cup final defeat by St Helens at Wembley in1997.

But his problems began when he suffered cruciate ligament damage in the home game with London last May.

He underwent a knee reconstruction and battled back admirably to make his return in the Challenge Cup fifth round clash at Wakefield in February.

But after regaining a regular spot in the starting line-up he sustained the present injury at Castleford on May 3 culminating in today's news.

In all he made 50 appearances for the Bulls, plus two as a substitute, scoring 22 tries.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.