Deacon
completes facial surgery

Great Britain scrum-half Paul Deacon has had successful surgery following a facial injury that at one time was thought to be life-threatening.

The 26-year-old Bradford Bulls player suffered the horrific injury in the Lions? 38-12 win over New Zealand in the Gillette Tri-Nations Series at Huddersfield on Saturday.

Deacon, who had scored his first Test try on his 11th appearance, was helped off after 23 minutes at the Galpharm Stadium after appearing to be hit by a swinging arm from Kiwi stand-off Nigel Vagana, who is still waiting to hear if he is to face disciplinary action.

The team?s backroom staff were concerned by the effects of broken blood vessels at the back of the player?s mouth, fearing he was in danger of swallowing blood.

Deacon was treated for two hours in the dressing room by club doctor Chris Brookes before being transferred to hospital, from where he hopes to be released later today after undergoing surgery to his cheekbone and palate.

?He?s had successful surgery on a couple of facial fractures,? head coach Brian Noble told a news conference at the team?s Manchester hotel. ?He had a crack across the middle third of his face.?

Noble, who visited the player in hospital, revealed after the game that he had broken a promise he had made to Deacon?s mother not to change his looks.

?I met his mum at the hospital and she?s forgiven me,? he said. ?I think his parents understand we play a tough game.

?Hopefully he?s not going to be long term but it?s too early to say.?

Deacon, who played a key role in Bradford?s Grand Final triumph this year, will almost certainly miss the Bulls? World Club Challenge meeting with Australian champions Wests Tigers at Huddersfield in February.

- - - - -

Thanks to www.superleague.co.uk for this update.