BBC SPORT | Rugby League | Super League | Sculthorpe: Saints come first



By Paul Sculthorpe Great Britain star and BBC Sport Online columnist

A lot of people have told me I am the favourite to win the Man of Steel award for the second consecutive year.

While it is nice to be recognised for your performances on the pitch, the only thing that matters to me is that St Helens keep on winning.

Do not get me wrong, it would be great to be the first player ever to receive the accolade two years on the trot.

Our aim is to secure home advantage for our play-off clash with the Bulls

Paul Sculthorpe

But personal awards come secondary to the team's overall wellbeing.

I am enjoying playing in such a fantastic side, one that has a great chance of winning something this year.

We are currently top of the Super League table and assured of finishing in the top two along with Bradford.

But our aim is to secure home advantage for our play-off clash with the Bulls.

Andrew Johns has been ruled out for the rest of the season
Johns receives treatment after damaging his back
After all, we are unbeaten at Knowsley Road this season and would fancy our chances of beating anyone on our own patch.

To end the regular season on top of the pile would also be a massive boost.

It would prove we are the most consistent side in Super League and give us another dose of confidence going into the play-offs.

It will not be easy to secure the win we need this weekend.

Not only is our record at Griffin Park not the best, but London will also be chasing the victory they need to give them a shot of making the top six.

It should add up to an exciting game of rugby league.

There should be a few tense games around the country this weekend, what with the relegation issue still to be sorted out and London, Widnes and Castleford all hunting the final play-off spot.

I hope he makes a swift comeback

Paul Sculthorpe on Andrew Johns

It is reaching boiling point on the other side of the world as well, with the National Rugby League play-offs in full flow.

I was saddened to hear that Andrew Johns will miss the rest of the season as well as Australia's clash with New Zealand.

He is someone I have a lot of admiration for, both as a player and a person, and it is a shame to see him sidelined.

I hope he makes a swift comeback, but an injury like his will need plenty of rest and recuperation.

Danny Sculthorpe in action for Rochdale
Brother Danny will try to help steer Wigan to glory
One player who has made a welcome return to action is my brother, Danny.

Unfortunately for me, he made his long-awaited debut for Wigan in their win over the Saints at the start of the month.

It is great to see Danny playing again after a back injury.

He has put a lot of hard work in and has waited a long time to pull on a Wigan shirt.

Once he adjusts to the speed of Super League, I am sure he will do superbly.


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