Deacon extends stay with Bulls

Paul Deacon is set to finish his career with Bradford after agreeing a two year contract extension. The Great Britain scrum-half has rejected overtures from other Super League clubs to stay with the Bulls until 2010, by which time he will be 32 and will have been there for 13 years.

“It was an easy decision for me, because this is home from home,” said Deacon. “There were a couple of other club interested, but if Bradford wanted me I always wanted to stay here.”

Deacon will miss the Bulls' Challenge Cup tie against Toulouse on Saturday as he is recovering from minor knee surgery.

Tame Tupou is poised to make his comeback in the match after recovering from a knee injury of his own. The former Brisbane Broncos wingman came safely through an outing with the reserve team last weekend.

Four teenagers are in line to make their debuts for Leeds in the Challenge Cup tie against the Celtic Crusaders tomorrow night.

Danny Allen, Ben Jones-Bishop and Joe Chandler are all 19, whilst Kallum Watkins, a centre who could turn out to be the most exciting prospect of the lot, is still only 17.

The Rhinos are delving deep into their reserves despite having Danny McGuire and Simon Worrall fit to return after injuries.

Castleford will decide at the end of next week whether to extend Dwain Chambers' trial period with the club.

The Tigers have denied reports that they are ready to part company with him now, but there is no prospect of him playing during his initial month's registration.

“When his trial period expires at the end of next week, the coaching staff and Dwain will make a decision on his future,” said the club's football manager, Mick Robinson.

Warrington's prop, Paul Wood, has been told that he needs another four weeks' rehabilitation on his shoulder before playing again. The Great Britain forward needed a second operation on the shoulder after trying to make his comeback in March.