Paul Deacon

Hailing from Standish near Wigan, a former Hindley amateur, Deacon made his senior professional début four days before his 18th birthday as a substitute for Oldham in a 48–6 RL Challenge Cup fourth round home victory over Rochdale Hornets on 9 February 1997. He made only four appearances for Oldham before moving to the Bradford Bulls. He has been one of Bradford Bulls' most influential players in the 21st century so far. He signed for the Bradford Bulls from Oldham, and came through the youth system at the same time as Jamie Peacock and Stuart Fielden. Deacon scored a try and goal on his début for the Bradford Bulls at scrum-half in a 36–10 Super League home victory over Huddersfield Giants on 28 June 1998. Deacon won caps for England while at the Bradford Bulls in 1999 against France (2 matches). Deacon played for the Bradford Bulls from the interchange bench in the 1999 Super League Grand Final which was lost to St. Helens.

Deacon played for England in their 2000 World Cup campaign against Russia, Fiji, Ireland and New Zealand, and in 2001 against Wales.[4] He went on to be one of Bradford Bulls' key players, a superb organiser with a tremendous kicking game. For Great Britain he won caps while at the Bradford Bulls in 2001 against France and Australia. Deacon played for the Bradford Bulls from the interchange bench in their 2001 Super League Grand Final victory against the Wigan Warriors. As Super League VI champions, the Bradford Bulls played against 2001 NRL Premiers, the Newcastle Knights in the 2002 World Club Challenge. Deacon played at scrum-half, kicking eight goals and one field goal in Bradford Bulls' victory. Deacon played for the Bradford Bulls at scrum-half, kicking three goals in their 2002 Super League Grand Final loss against St. Helens. He was awarded the Harry Sunderland Trophy as grand final man-of-the-match despite being on the losing side. In the seasons of 2002 and 2003 Deacon's goal kicking percentage was near 80%. He represented Great Britain in 2002 against New Zealand (3 matches), in 2003 against Australia (2 matches, plus 1 as sub). Deacon played for the Bradford Bulls at scrum-half, kicking six goals and one drop goal in their 2003 Super League Grand Final victory against the Wigan Warriors. He also played for the Bradford Bulls at scrum-half in their 2004 Super League Grand Final loss against the Leeds Rhinos.

Deacon played for the Bradford Bulls at scrum-half, kicking three goal from five attempts in their 2005 Super League Grand Final victory against Leeds Rhinos He played in the 2005 Tri Nations against Australia and New Zealand (2 matches).[5] On 23 June 2006, Paul Deacon broke the record points scored for a Bradford Norther/Bradford Bulls player (1,834), which was previously held by Keith Mumby. In 2007 Paul became the Bradford Bulls captain taking over from Iestyn Harris. In August 2007 he was named in Bradford Bull' Team of the Century. In September 2007 Deacon reached 2,000 goals for the Bradford Bulls. Deacon was recalled for the Great Britain train-on squad for the 2007 test series with New Zealand, but pulled out due to injury. In 2008 Deacon celebrated his testimonial year with the Bradford Bulls after 10-years of service for the Super League club. As well as a testimonial match against his hometown club Wigan Warriors in January, Paul Deacon's name also appeared on all away jerseys to commemorate his loyalty to the Bradford Bulls. On 16 April 2008 Paul signed a new 2-year contract until 2010. He was forced to rule himself out of contention for the England training squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup through injury.[6] In November 2009, Deacon signed for Wigan after 11-years at the Bradford Bulls.

Deacon appeared in his first Grand Final in 5-years by playing in the 2010 Super League Grand Final victory over St Helens at Old Trafford.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]

Deacon played in the 2011 Challenge Cup Final 28–18 victory over the Leeds Rhinos at Wembley Stadium.[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35]

Deacon with the Wigan Warriors in 2012

Following his retirement from playing, Deacon joined Wigan's coaching staff where he remained for four years.[36]

In 2013, Deacon was appointed assistant to Steve McNamara at the England national rugby league team, just before the beginning of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

In July 2015 it was confirmed that Deacon would switch codes and join Premiership rugby union side Sale Sharks as attack/skills coach.[37] He was promoted to head coach in December 2020 following the departure of director of rugby Steve Diamond.[38]