Sculthorpe missed the first Test because of injury

St Helens star Paul Sculthorpe insists he will be fit to play in next week's World Club Challenge against the Sydney Roosters.

The Great Britain stand-off is likely to miss Saturday's Challenge Cup tie against Union Treiziste Catalane because of a thigh problem, the same injury that forced him to miss the first Test against New Zealand at the end of last season.

But he says the decision to pull out the fourth-round tie in Perpignan is just a precaution and he is confident of facing the Australian champions on 14 February.

"It's just a niggle, nothing major," Sculthorpe told BBC Sport Online.

"It wouldn't keep me out of the game if it was the week after. But I'm training as normal and it's just a precaution.

"I went for a scan last week and it's healed up quite a lot. It's nothing major.

"The doctors have told me that the way to heal it is by working it and stretching well, so it's something that will go.

We're very enthusiastic...we want the tag of being the World Club Champions Sydney Roosters coach Ricky Stuart

"I'll definitely be playing against the Roosters."

Saints will, however, be without hooker Keiron Cunningham (elbow) and full-back Paul Wellens (cheekbone) for next Friday's World Club Challenge.

The Sydney Roosters meanwhile flew out to Manchester on Wednesday to acclimatise to the English weather.

The Roosters now have eight days to prepare for the game at Bolton's Reebok Stadium, and coach Ricky Stuart is confident that his side will be ready for action.

"The only way we can prepare for it is by going over early and giving the blokes two or three extra days to witness and experience the conditions," said Stuart.

"We have eight days of training before the game so we'll have no excuses. We're very enthusiastic. We want the tag of being the World Club Champions."

Stuart is confident that Craig Wing, Todd Payten and Todd Byrne will all be in contention for places despite picking up injuries in the World Sevens.

Their 19-strong squad includes Great Britain forward Adrian Morley.