Right from the start, it was clear Paul Deacon was a champion.

The baby-face might have fooled some and the 5ft 8in frame yet more but beneath the deceptive exterior lay a snarling, steely warrior who never knew when he was beaten.

A three-time Super League champion, two-time Challenge Cup winner and a Great Britain international – few players have experienced the kind of highs Deacon has enjoyed throughout 12 remarkable seasons at Odsal.

Few have experienced the same lows either. Deacon almost lost his life on the rugby pitch, the metal plates in his face offering a constant reminder of the time his upper jaw and cheekbone were smashed while playing for Great Britain against New Zealand in 2005’s Tri-Nations.

The fact he overcame that setback and went on to become the Bulls’ record points-scorer the following year comes as no surprise to those who have played with him.

Determined, intelligent and outspoken, Deacon played in each of Bradford’s five consecutive Super League Grand Final appearances earlier this decade, picking up the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match in 2002.

The former Hindley amateur was often seen as an unspectacular part of a team that truly sparkled but that should not undermine the role he played.

He was the brain of the Bulls, the little general in the middle of the pitch, drawing on the born leadership qualities his team-mates had noticed from an early age.

“You just have to make sure you don’t get on the wrong side of him,” said former colleague Robbie Paul, who was club captain when Deacon arrived from Oldham in 1998.

“Stuart Spruce, who was one of the senior players in the squad when he first joined, nicknamed him 'Little Hitler'.

“I experienced that first hand when I was playing alongside him early in his first season at Bradford. I made a mistake and he turned around and just fired into me.

“I couldn’t believe it. I thought, ‘who does this little so-and-so think he is having a go at me?’ You don’t often get that, especially from somebody so young.”

When Deacon talks about his time at Bradford, a big grin cracks that angry face.

He brought an end to 12 glittering years with the club on Monday after sealing a deal to become player-coach at Wigan Warriors – a heart-wrenching decision made with his future career in mind.

The chance to join Wigan came completely out of the blue for Deacon, who had been preparing for another campaign at Odsal before receiving a surprise phone call while on holiday in Egypt.

Although he is heading to his hometown club, the move feels more like the 30-year-old scrum half is leaving home, a member of the family flying the nest to take the next step in life.

“I felt part of the scenery there,” said Deacon. “I had a lot of friends there and the whole club has been immense. The atmosphere around the club as a whole is fantastic.

“Everybody gets on with each other and I’ve made some great friends both on and off the pitch. You are made to feel like you are part of a family, you are well looked after. It’s an atmosphere which is hard to describe.”

Deacon added: “I’m very sad to be leaving to be honest but these things happen in life.

“I’m leaving for the right reasons, I’m not leaving because I’m unhappy. It was difficult to go but after some deliberation, I decided it was the right thing to do for the rest of my career.

“It’s going to be a big change. Going in to training for the first time was like the first day at school all over again. It’s so strange.”

With so many brilliant Bulls memories to choose from, Deacon struggles to choose a favourite.

“I think it’s very hard to pick one moment but the 2003 Challenge Cup final was amazing for quite a few reasons, especially as we won the treble,” said Deacon.

“Winning Super League in 2005 was special too because nobody gave us a chance. That team was starting to break up at the time but we crept into third and then became the first team to win the Grand Final from third.

“Being made captain ranks up there too. The pressure is on when you’re captain but it was a role I really enjoyed and felt privileged to do.”

Today’s Bulls are almost unrecognisable from the last Bradford side to win the Super League Grand Final, with Jamie Langley now the only player remaining from the 17 that beat Leeds Rhinos 15-6 at Old Trafford in 2005.

But Deacon is confident he is leaving the club in good shape.

Star Australian scrum half Matt Orford has been signed as a direct replacement for the departing skipper, who has every faith in head coach Steve McNamara to turn Bradford into a force once more.

Deacon said: “I think Steve’s done a great job. Everyone realises he’s had a lot of stick during his time as coach but it’s a transition period and it’s going to be hard.

“He’s still young and he’s still learning the job but I’m confident he will be a successful coach.”

Throughout it all, Deacon’s only regret is not being able to say a proper goodbye to the Bulls’ fans.

“It’s disappointing because I played my last game for the club and didn’t even know I had, so I didn’t say goodbye to anyone.

“I want to thank all the fans for their support over the years and everyone involved in the club, from the chairman right down to the kit manager.

“I feel privileged to have played for Bradford and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”