Paul and Danny Sculthorpe are both gearing up for when they go ‘head to head’ in the ‘James Edwards Land Rover Paul Sculthorpe Testimonial Match’ between St Helens and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at Knowsley Road on Saturday February 2 (2pm kick off).
With Saints coach Daniel Anderson confirming that Paul will continue as the inspirational captain of the ‘Red Vee’ this season, he will be looking for a victory to earn the bragging rights in the Sculthorpe family.
The Paul Sculthorpe Testimonial, granted by The RFL, began on January 1 2008 with a percentage of proceeds from the season being donated to Paul’s adopted charity, Tommy’s – The Baby Charity.
Scully said: “I can’t wait for Saturday - it will be a great occasion for my Testimonial match, and with the opposition being Wakefield it obviously means Danny will be lining up against me, which makes it extra special. He’s had a superb pre season already and I know he’ll be keen for Wakefield’s good results to continue.
“I’ve said before that I came to St Helens to win trophies and develop as a rugby league player, and I’ve certainly done that. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time so far at the club and it’s an honour to celebrate my Testimonial Season at Knowsley Road.
“We’re all eager to ensure that we compete again in 2008 and bring silverware back to the club. Our pre season preparation has gone very well, including our trip this week to Cardiff, which gave the lads a change of scenery and a chance to continue the work that has been done over the last few months.
“Saturday’s match will be very competitive as it’s only one week away from the start of engage Super League. Wakefield have recruited well in the off-season so it will be a good marker to see where we are as a team.
“I’m also looking forward to catching up with some rugby league friends such as Steve Prescott, Chris Joynt, Gary Connolly and Sonny Nickle who are all supporting me by playing in the special ‘All Stars’ curtain raiser, and I’d like to say a big thanks to all the ‘All Stars’ who are giving up their time for the game.
“Most of all I’d like to thank the supporters for their continued support. I always appreciate the passion that our fans, and rugby league fans in general, have. The atmosphere at matches makes our sport unique and hopefully many of them will help make it a fantastic occasion and celebration of the sport next weekend.”
Danny Sculthorpe added: “Like Paul I’m really excited about the occasion and match next weekend. We’ve shown good form in pre-season and St Helens will be another big test for us but we’re up for the challenge.
“I’m delighted to be playing a part, literally, in Paul’s big day and he deserves everything that he has achieved in the game. He’s a tremendous ambassador for the sport and an inspiration to many people in rugby league, and I’m very proud of his success.”
Tickets for the ‘James Edwards Paul Sculthorpe Testimonial Match’ are now on sale in person at St Helens’ ticket office at Knowsley Road, Church Square, calling 01744 455 050 and www.saintssuperstore.com
A special curtain raiser will see legends from rugby league including Garry Schofield, Gary Connolly, Steve Prescott, Chris Joynt, Tommy Martyn, Paul Newlove, Sonny Nickle and Karl Fairbank, lining up in a 10-a-side, Yorkshire versus Lancashire game, which kicks off at 12.30pm.
The ‘James Edwards Paul Sculthorpe Testimonial Match’ between St Helens and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats will follow with a 2.00pm kick off.
Supporters on match day will also be able to purchase the Paul Sculthorpe Testimonial Brochure, which features tributes from stars such as Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Joe Calzaghe and Frankie Dettori.
Fans visiting the St Helens RLFC Superstore next Saturday will also be the first to have the chance to buy items from the Paul Sculthorpe Official Testimonial Merchandise range, which has been produced in association with KooGa.
The St Helens RLFC ticket office will open on match day at 10am, with turnstiles opening at midday.