New Zealand Rugby League is saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Deacon Kiwi #445.

Bill played for the Ngaruawahia Panthers in the Waikato Rugby League competition representing Waikato. He was first selected for the New Zealand national rugby league team in 1965, the same year he was also named New Zealand Rugby League player of the year.

Deacon was included in the Kiwis squad for the 1970 World Cup and played his last test match for New Zealand in 1971. He finished his career having played 14 tests for New Zealand.

His contribution to New Zealand Rugby League will not be forgotten.