The last time Paul Deacon played in a final he was man of the match - an award he did not want.

He was handed the Harry Sunderland Trophy for his performance against saints at Old Trafford, but with the Bulls losing 19-8 in a heartbreaking finish, Deacon wasn't interested in the gong.

And the baby-faced scrum half admits that he still has bad memories of that day, something he is keen to erase.

"It still haunts me," said Deacon, who converted all three tries and arguably could have had a chance to kick a match-winning penalty after what looked like a voluntary tackle by Chris Joynt in the final seconds.

"Whatever happens it will erase the memory of what hap-pened that day, either we lose and we have something else to dwell on or we get the win and can celebrate that instead.

"This is a massive game for everyone," he said.

Deacon doesn't have the best finals record, winning just one of the four he has appeared in and missing out as a substitute when Leeds were beaten in 2000.

Although a Wigan fan as a youngster, he has been a successful supporter, watching his team win their eight finals in a row, attending Wembley for each one.

But now as a player he is looking to achieve that manner of success, something that is expected of him having more than filled the massive kicking boots of Henry Paul, pictured above.

With Robbie's older brother departing for union in Gloucester, Deacon has grown into the vacant role and has excelled this season, adding a few vital touchdowns to his dead-eye kicking.

"I see myself as the Bulls' scrum-half," said Deacon, who has quite rightly earned international honours for his impressive club form.

"I am starting every game and have established myself in this position. I've been here six years, so I will play my part in the Yorkshire derby as an adopted Bradfordian." And the 24-year-old former Oldham Bears player is predicting a powerful contest.

"Both sides have big packs so we can expect a physical and very tight game," added Deacon.

"There won't be more than ten points in it." If the game is as close as 'Deacs' predicts, then his astute and precise kicking may once again prove vital - which could mean another man-of-the-match award.

And if the Lance Todd trophy is handed to him after the conclusion of play in Cardiff, Deacon will be praying that this time he can gratefully receive it.