I know I'm getting on but don't write me off, says St Helen's Paul Sculthorpe

It is all the motivation the two-time 'Man of Steel' winner, the sport's most coveted award, needs to make the doubters choke on their words.

Sculthorpe: Gave up Great Britain role to focus on St Helens

One of the finest loose forwards of the Super League era — he cost St Helens a then world record fee for a forward of £370,000 from Warrington 10 years ago — is on the comeback path and the warpath after a succession of injury nightmares.

Suddenly, at 30, he has to prove himself all over again. It is his testimonial year but his club, understandably cautious, have given him only a one-year contract this time.

"I know I need a big season. I owe it to Saints for the way they've stood by me through thick and thin," says Sculthorpe, now fully recovered from two serious knee operations, back trouble and, last season, a ruptured achilles tendon.

"I gave up the Great Britain captaincy and international football because Saints pay my wages and they have to be my priority now.

"But I need a big season for myself as much as for anyone else and I can't wait to get started.

"I have heard all the rumours and whispers but reports of my demise have been grossly exaggerated."

Nevertheless, it has been a long haul back to fitness, and Sculthorpe is aiming to play in his testimonial on February 2.

James Edwards Land Rover are sponsoring the game against Wakefield at Knowsley Road.

He said: "I just want to regain the agility I had before and stay injury-free. If I can get on the pitch , I know I can deliver.

"Let's hope I've used up all my bad luck. Everything's going brilliantly at the moment and it's the best I've felt in a long time."