The Saints' club captain, who has been sidelined since early April suffering from a pectoral problem, is set to make an eagerly-awaited return to action against Hull KR on Friday night in a re-run of Sunday's classic Challenge Cup quarter final tie at Craven Park.

Coach Daniel Anderson confirmed yesterday that the 30-year-old loose forward, who is currently enjoying a well deserved testimonial year, would feature in his final 17-man squad and admitted he was 'champing at the bit' for a taste of first team football.

Anderson said: "Scully wanted to play at the weekend but I made the call that he was not quite ready for such an intense game.He was naturally disappointed by my decision but he will get his opportunity this Friday and then we face other tough games against Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos."

It will only be Sculthorpe's third appearance of a frustrating season but hopefully he can put behind him a string of injuries which have blighted his career in recent years.

Centre Willie Talau is Saints' only doubtful starter following Sunday's
cup tie. He is suffering from a nasty gash under one eye and across his nose, and while it is not too serious a injury, the wound is difficult to strap and protect and as a result the Kiwi could be omitted as a precautionary measure.