PAUL Deacon is normally ice cool ahead of matches but he admits he is getting nervous about Saturday’s Challenge Cup final, knowing it could be his last chance to play on the big stage.
The 32-year-old former Bradford captain is once more contemplating retirement as he prepares to help his home-town team Wigan reclaim the trophy at the expense of Leeds.
Deacon says victory on his first appearance at Wembley would eclipse the current highlight of his career - the Bulls’ Cup triumph at the Millennium Stadium in 2003 - and that is starting to prey on his mind.
“I was nervous when I first started my career but I dealt with my nerves from a very young age,” he said.
“I learned a big lesson when I played for the Under-16 schoolboys. I was a nervous wreck and I played terrible so from then on I said to myself ’you can’t get into a state like that again’ and I controlled my nerves pretty well.
“It’s funny but, coming to the end of my career, I’m probably getting a bit more nervous about things.
“I think that’s probably because I appreciate it could soon all be over and I want to perform and win things.”
Deacon put off retirement 12 months ago by signing a deal for a second season with Wigan and has not ruled out playing on again next year.
But he is committed to taking up a coaching career with the Warriors and admits the final decision can only be made in conjunction with the club’s new head coach, which is expected to be Michael Maguire’s assistant Shane Wane.
“I’m not getting any younger,” said Deacon, whose Super League scoring record was broken by Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield earlier this season.
“I’ve had a good season this year but my contract position at Wigan is a unique one and the decision doesn’t solely rest with me.”
If Deacon decides to follow team-mate Andy Coley into retirement, he will be aiming to finish in a blaze of glory at Old Trafford at the Super League Grand Final on October 8, but the Challenge Cup holds a special place in his heart.
As a six-year-old, he watched Wigan’s famous win over Hull in one of the classic finals in 1985 and he went on to attend every one of their record eight consecutive Wembley triumphs up to 1995.
“I’ve got vivid childhood memories of it. I went nine times to watch Wigan win.”
