Deacon extends stay at Bradford

Paul Deacon has scotched theories that he is on his way to Wigan by agreeing an extended contract at Bradford, who are also set to bring back their former coach, Brian Smith, on a short-term consultancy.

The Great Britain scrum-half has been linked with his home-town club, even before Brian Noble left the Bulls to coach Wigan, but has now committed himself until the end of his testimonial season in 2008.

"It was an easy decision. There's no reason for me to go anywhere else," insisted Deacon, who was well aware of the Wigan rumours. "That's all they were - rumours. I was never contacted by anyone; people can stop asking me now."

The recently appointed Bradford coach, Steve McNamara, welcomed Deacon's decision as a major boost for the club. "Deaks is one of those players where you don't realise how important he is until he's not there," he said.

Bradford will today announce the temporary return of Smith to work alongside McNamara for the next two months. Smith, who coached the Bulls in 1995-96, resigned at Parramatta last week and is due to take over at the Newcastle Knights for next season.

Wigan, who kept up the pretence of business as usual this week by signing the Australian Test centre, Phil Bailey, for next season, get a break from their relegation fight with a Challenge Cup tie at Salford tonight.