England captain Jamie Peacock has called for rugby league's Ashes to be put on the line when his men take on Australia during this year's Four Nations tournament.

Excited by the hype surrounding the current cricket series, the Leeds star said over the weekend it would be a big bonus for league if its version was on the line at Wigan on October 31, a one off game to decide a title Australia has held for 36 years.

"The cricket Ashes this summer has been massive and really captured the imagination of everyone around the country," Peacock said.

"It's been a real talking point and the excitement at Headingley a few weeks ago when England met Australia was like something I've never experienced before, despite the result.

"I really miss playing Australia in a Test series like we used to and I'd be all in favour of bringing it back.

"Looking at the international calendar for the next few years though, there doesn't seem much room for a three match Test series.

"For now I think the starting point should be a one off Ashes game each year between England and Australia starting this October with the Four Nations. It would be brilliant to be the first captain from these shores to pick up that trophy since 1970."

The call was supported by former Great Britain hooker Mike Stephenson, who said: "To take both sets of Ashes off the Aussies all in the space of three months would be sensational and leave those Down Under on a real downer. I know the cricket Ashes aren't won yet, but fingers crossed we're nearly there!"

The Rugby League International Federation has no three-Test series between leading countries planned before the next World Cup in 2013, with Four Nations tournaments seen as being more lucrative.

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