Paul Deacon's Great Britain heartache will mean more points for the Bulls this season.

The baby-faced scrum-half missed out on a seat on the plane for the one-off Australia Test and today vowed to keep improving for his club side.

"I can't say I am not disappointed," said Deacon, who put in his best performance of the season in Sunday's demolition of Salford.

"Playing for Great Britain would have to be the highlight of any player's career. But I have to admit it

didn't come as a shock.

"Ryan Sheridan has been playing very well. I have said all along that I will just do my best for the Bulls and if any representative rugby comes my way then that will just be a bonus.

"For now, all I can do is concentrate on improving and doing everything I can to play my best for the Bulls and if I can prove to someone that I am good enough to play against New Zealand then all the better."

With David Waite naming a shadow squad as a contingency to cover for late injuries on Monday, the door to Australia may still be ajar for Deacon.

"Naturally I am hoping to get named in the shadow squad next week," said Deacon, whose performances in the Origin Series for Lancashire were well received in all quarters.

"It isn't the best way to get into the squad but if that is the only way the I will take it. If taking advantage of someone else's injury gives me an opportunity, then of course I will seize it and do my best for Great Britain."