By Phil Gordos

On-loan Sculthorpe could be back in a Wigan shirt next season

Danny Sculthorpe is not the type of player to take a backward step or go down without a fight. It is just not in the 26-year-old prop's nature.

One of the most robust forwards in the game, he has spent his entire career battering and pummelling the opposition with his bulldozing runs down the middle of the park.

He has occasionally swapped punches, too, but insists he never holds a grudge.

But having overcome a serious back injury and the problems caused by his diabetes, he now faces one of his biggest challenges yet. On Saturday, he attempts to keep Castleford in Super League.

The Tigers have made a decent fist of life in British rugby league's top flight after winning promotion from the National League last season.

They have overcome the problems faced by all clubs coming up, namely the lack of time to prepare and the lack of top players to recruit once everyone else has had their pick.

But with one round to go, they just need to avoid defeat against Wakefield to ensure their survival.

He's my Man of Steel... he is irreplaceable Danny Sculthorpe on Danny Nutley

Expect Sculthorpe to be leading the Castleford charge at Belle Vue, but he says the whole team will be fired up for what many people are billing as a �1m clash.

"We've got some really good players but our team spirit has been the key for us this season," he told BBC Sport.

"No-one is bigger than the rest and everyone gets on great. We work hard for each other and love playing for each other."

Despite his assertions that the team ethic is key, Sculthorpe says there is one player who deserves special praise.

Former Queensland and Cronulla Sharks prop Danny Nutley arrived from Australia with a big reputation and has certainly lived up to his billing.

"He's my Man of Steel," says Sculthorpe. "He is irreplaceable.

"He is such a professional. I've never know someone with such a professional attitude as him. He just trains the house down.

Cas want me stay and I want to stay, but I've got obligations with Wigan Danny Sculthorpe

"He puts his body on the line every time and never misses a session.

"Some players won't train if they have a knock, but that's not the case with Danny. He just wants to be out there all the time.

"Off the field he is such a genuine bloke, he can't do enough for you. He has a crack like everyone else, but when it comes down to training and doing your job, he does it brilliantly."

Unfortunately for Cas, Nutley will be leaving Wheldon Road win, lose or draw against Wakefield.

With his family pining for home, the 32-year-old forward reluctantly informed the Tigers board he wanted to leave at the end of the season.

Nutley has made a big impact in his one and only season for Cas

He was granted his wish and will see out his playing career with the Sydney Roosters. But first he has a job to do for Cas.

So does Sculthorpe, who could also be playing his last game for Tigers on Saturday.

His loan deal comes to an end once the season finishes and he could find himself back at Wigan.

"I don't know what's going to happen," said Sculthorpe. "I know as much as you.

"I haven't spoken to anyone at Wigan and no-one there has spoken to me.

"Cas want me stay and I want to stay, but I've got obligations with Wigan. I can't do anything about it.

"But no matter which team I play for, I'll give 100%."

Sculthorpe relishes the physical confrontation, and opponents will vouch for his never-say-die spirit.

"I love it," he said. "I love waking up the next day and not being able to walk because I am so sore. It sounds weird, but that's rugby league and that's what I get paid to do.

"If I haven't got stuck in, I don't feel like I've earned my money."

Once you cross that line it's war but when you come off I'll buy anyone a drink and shake hands with them Danny Sculthorpe

Sculthorpe sometimes gets a bit too stuck in, but he insists any bust-ups on the pitch are quickly forgotten.

"Once you cross that line it's war but when you come off I'll buy anyone a drink and shake hands with them," he said.

"I'm totally different on and off the field. I'm like two people. I switch on and off. That's how it should be with everyone, and most rugby league players are like that."

But there is more to Sculthorpe than crash, bang, wallop.

He kicked his first drop-goal in a Super League game a fortnight ago and has come up with a string of delicate kicks that have caused havoc in rival defences.

"If I see something in a game that might set up a try, I'll do it," he said.

"Hopefully it comes off, and most of my kicks have this year. It's just an instinctive thing."