The Diesels will hold a minute's silence at matches this Sunday in honour of one of their great clubmen.

A New Zealand international, Deacon represented the Kiwis in 14 Tests and 35 tour matches, including a World Cup, before moving to Australia in 1972.

After a stint coaching Wagga Magpies for three years, Deacon joined Junee and was captain-coach of the Diesels for four seasons from 1976-79.

The brilliant backrower, who was NZRL's player of the year in 1965, also played for Turvey Park but returned to the Diesels from 1987 to 1992.

He was made a life member of the club in 2012 and was still on the committee this year.

"Bill will be sadly missed by the Junee Diesels Rugby League Club and the Group 9 Rugby League Communities as a whole. His dedication and passion for rugby league, his mentoring to others and wisdom will be sadly missed," the Diesels said.

Deacon began his senior career as a 16-year-old with Ngaruawahia Panthers in Waikato, and in 2011 was recognised as the Panthers' Player of the Century.

One NZ league historian estimated Deacon would have played 650 senior games until he retired aged 48, in addition to games representing Waikato and the Kiwis.

New Zealand Rugby League said it was saddened to hear of the passing of Deacon, Kiwi #445.

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

Deacon passed away on Monday, surrounded by family at Wagga Base Hospital on Monday. He was 75.

His funeral will be held next Tuesday at 11am at St Joseph's in Junee.