Deacon: Happy with new talent
They're a breath of fresh air and training with these 17 and 18-year-olds means we've all been able to feed off their enthusiasm.
Paul Deacon
Quotes of the week
Paul Deacon says the new generation of Bradford Bulls stars have helped freshen up the squad.
Teenagers Tom Olbison, Elliott Whitehead, Steve Crossley, Andy Tate and James Donaldson will all be at Steve McNamara's disposal as full-time players in 2009.
For players like 29-year-old scrum-half Deacon it makes a big difference to have some young blood about the place.
"There's a lot of young lads knocking around at the Bulls now, with five new members coming through the ranks," Deacon told the Bradford website.
"That can only be good for the rest of us and for Bradford Bulls. They're a breath of fresh air and training with these 17 and 18-year-olds means we've all been able to feed off their enthusiasm.
"I'm looking forward to starting a new season with a new team."
Super League's expansion to 14 teams means squad rotation will be all the more important in 2009 and Deacon's side look set to be tested early as they open up away against Harlequins on February 8.

England 20-12 New Zealand - Highlights
England 20-12 New Zealand - Players
England 20-12 New Zealand - Peacock
England 20-12 New Zealand - Smith
Smith - Players want to impress
England 16-26 Australia - Tomkins
England 16-26 Australia - Smith
England 16-26 Australia - Sheens
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Engage Super League | |
| Saturday 10th October | |
| Leeds 18 - 10 St Helens | |
| Saturday 3rd October | |
| St Helens 14 - 10 Wigan | |
| Friday 2nd October | |
| Leeds 27 - 20 Catalans Dragons | |
| Saturday 26th September | |
| Hull K R 16 - 30 Wigan | |
| Friday 25th September | |
| Huddersfield 6 - 16 Catalans Dragons | |
| Sunday 20th September | |
| Wigan 18 - 12 Castleford | |
| Saturday 19th September | |
| St Helens 15 - 2 Huddersfield | |
| Wakefield 16 - 25 Catalans Dragons | |
| Friday 18th September | |
| Leeds 44 - 8 Hull K R | |
| Sunday 13th September | |
| Castleford 35 - 22 Celtic Crusaders | |
England new-boy Tom Briscoe is a 33/1 shot with Sky Bet to top Four Nations try-scorer charts.
Phil Clarke says that England have to improve their defence if they are to challenge in the Four Nations.
Wales clinched the rugbyleague.com European Cup for the first time in 14 years with a 28-16 win over Scotland.
Kyle Eastmond believes England can beat Australia in the Gillette Four Nations final after their 20-12 win over New Zealand.
Peter Fox scored two tries as England reached the Gillette Four Nations final with a 20-12 victory over New Zealand.
Peter Fox was delighted with his two-try display as England reached the Four Nations final with a 20-12 success over New Zealand.
Australia secured a place in the Gillette Four Nations final with a 42-4 victory over France.