BBC SPORT | BBC PUNDITS | Sculthorpe: I'm better than ever

In the first of his columns for 2002, reigning Man of Steel Paul Sculthorpe tells BBC Sport Online that he is in the best shape of his life.

Last year was a great year for me but I'm not about to sit back and take things easy in Super League VII.

I want to improve, and I think I have done thanks to a lot of hard work in the off-season.

I'm heavier than I have been - I currently weigh just under 16st 8lb - but that extra bulk will give me an added advantage.

It's great to get Sean and Paul back... they are key players for us and we miss them when they aren't available

I'm quicker than ever and better equipped to breaking through tackles and opposition defences.

Now I cannot wait for the new Super League campaign to start. It should be an exciting one.

Let's just hope we can avoid the kind of injuries that plagued us last season.

We would have gone further in the competition had we not lost Sean Long, Tommy Martyn and Paul Newlove.

The rest of the lads were dead on their feet by the end. How we beat Hull in the play-offs I will never know.

We showed real guts but the Wigan semi-final was one game too far.

Paul Newlove
Newlove's injury could have ended his career

We still haven't got the biggest squad in the league. We've only got around 22 full-time players, less than the likes of Bradford.

But it's great to get Sean and Paul back. They are key players for us and we miss them when they aren't available.

We all knew Sean would make it back but Paul's injury gave us cause for concern.

It was a nasty one and not always easy to get over. Some players are forced to retire if they snap their Achilles tendon.

But Paul has made a wonderful recovery, quicker than expected, and it will be fantastic to see him pull on a St Helens shirt again.

Hopefully we will be in good shape when he does return.

Everybody is talking up the chances of Bradford, Wigan and Leeds. That suits us just fine. We are happy to be underdogs.

I've never faced my younger brother on the pitch before, so it will be a very special occasion

Naturally I'm looking forward to all the big games but there is a special one this season.

It comes on 1 April, when we entertain Wigan.

The Warriors boast the likes of Andy Farrell, Kris Radlinski and Julian O'Neill, but there is one player in particular I will have my eye on.

I've never faced my younger brother, Danny, on the pitch before, even when we were juniors, so it will be a very special occasion.

He's had a back problem but says he feels good after surgery.

I'm glad. He deserves his chance in Super League and I wish him well following his move from Rochdale.


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