news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 665634.stm Quote Wigan scrum-half Paul Deacon says he will savour playing in the Challenge Cup final against Leeds at Wembley. [uThe 32-year-old will quit playing to take up an assistant coach role at the DW Stadium at the end of the season[/u.'"

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 665634.stm Quote Wigan scrum-half Paul Deacon says he will savour playing in the Challenge Cup final against Leeds at Wembley. [uThe 32-year-old will quit playing to take up an assistant coach role at the DW Stadium at the end of the season[/u.'"

I know that he has stated in another interview that he is more nervous at this stage of his career because it may be his last final and may not get to go again.


But assistant coach? Thats a new one on me.

"an" assistant coach. Remember most teams have multiple wane is actually head assistant really then there are other assistants including deacon I think lol

i thought this was common knowledge

His becoming an assistant coach was common knowlege as he came over from Bradford on a one year playing, two year coaching deal. He extended his playing contract after the GF for one year.

We all know he's coming to the end of his career but it wasn't official, who'd begrudge him one last twelve months the way he's playing?

Obviously not to be!

I think he'll play on tbh.

He makes a lot of noises about being a long time retired and the like but also says it may not be down to him.

If the club can't find a ready made replacement and they feel the young lads aren't quite ready he'll still be a player in 2012 I reckon.

I think he's up to another year, but it is important that Mellor and Powell get some game time also next year.

It will all depend on what setup Wayne / Lam wants next season.

I read the bit with him on the BBC website today. Despite him having spent his best years at the Dulls adn Wigan, I find him a likeable sort of player. The model pro.

I wouldn't begrudge him the chance to play for another year, but likewise wouldn't begrudge him the chance to quit while he's still on top. He's taken his lumps (the fractured palate playing for GB standing out as a fairly nasty injury) and basically won everything going. He gets to walk out at Wembley for his home-town club on Saturday. There isn't a load left for him to do in the game, so all the best to him for his next steps. Great to see he's staying in the business too. Might make a good coach I think.

ideal scenario would be keep him on the playing register but at a pay per play deal that is at a nominal and pay him the full wack as a coaching assistant. That way we have him to help train the young lads and be there for cover in case of emergencies.

Pretty sure the salary cap wouldn't allow that... unless you're Warrington.