Danny Sculthorpe

Danny Sculthorpe (born 8 September 1979) is an English professional rugby league footballer. Born in Oldham, Greater Manchester, he currently plays as a prop for Widnes Vikings.

The younger brother of the St Helens player Paul Sculthorpe, he signed for Wigan Warriors at the end of 2001 from Rochdale Hornets. Sculthorpe had previously had spells with Leeds Academy and Warrington - whom he joined as part of the deal that took Iestyn Harris to Leeds. However, as a diabetic, he had been dogged by injury and dietary / fitness issues at both teams. The same has continued at Wakefield, and many are questioning if he will ever be any good on the pitch again.

Sculthorpe injured his back training with weights in January 2002, keeping him out of the Wigan first team squad. He returned to fitness with a four week loan spell at his former club, Rochdale. Wigan coach Stuart Raper commented: "Danny is fit, but we've nowhere to play him. At Rochdale he's in an environment he'll be comfortable in and it will enable us to assess his return to fitness. It is another step on his road back to match action."

Raper's confidence in Sculthorpe was confirmed when he was recalled from Rochdale in September 2002. He made his first team début on his 23rd birthday, helping the Warriors to crush St Helens, a team that contained his brother Paul, 48-8 at the JJB Stadium. He consolidated his position as a first team regular during 2003. In 2004 Danny signed a new 3-year contract with Wigan despite speculation linking him with a move to St Helens. Assistant coach Denis Betts said: "I never had any doubt that Danny would stay here. He has developed into a top-quality player and we are pleased he has committed his future to us." He spent 2006's Super League XI on loan at Castleford Tigers from Wigan, before joining Wakefield for 2007's Super League XII.

Danny joined Huddersfield Giants in a swap loan deal with Michael Korkidas, before moving on to Bradford. He failed to make a single appearance for Bradford after his diabetes forced him into taking a year off from the sport. His contract with Bradford ended and he quickly moved onto the Widnes Vikings in the Championship.

Danny was also picked to play for Lancashire in the 2003 Origin match.