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Rugby League

Deacon withdraws from GB squad

04/10/2007

Bradford Bulls scrum-half Paul Deacon has been withdrawn from Great Britain's train-on squad after failing to recover from a hamstring problem.

The 28-year-old has been struggling with the injury for several weeks and it had forced him to miss his club's final three matches of the season – including the play-off defeat to Wigan Warriors at Odsal.

National team coach Tony Smith had selected the Bulls captain in his squad on the proviso that his fitness would improve.

However it is now clear that the problem is more serious than first thought and he will play no part in the three-Test series against New Zealand, which begins later this month.

The absence of Deacon means Leeds Rhinos scrum-half Rob Burrow will be the likely starter in the first Test at Huddersfield Giants' Galpharm Stadium.

One player who will not be involved on his home turf is Giants centre Kevin Brown, who has been forced to have groin surgery.

The former Wigan centre was expected to push for a starting berth against the Kiwis but an injury he sustained towards the end of the Super League season means he has withdrawn from the train-on squad.