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Sculthorpe linked with Warriors

23/11/2001

The news comes ahead of Hornets' Law Cup clash with Oldham, at Spotland Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).

But coach Martin Hall is not letting the rumours affect his side's preparation for the big game, or the season ahead.

He said Sunday's game - a local derby - was always a very passionate affair for everybody connected with the two clubs.

He added: "And there's a trophy at stake, which gives it that bit of added spice.

"The lads have been training well in pre-season and last week's game against Chorley Lynx was a good workout for them. But, no disrespect to Chorley, this weekend's game will be a bigger test and we will know more about where we are at afterwards."

He added: "It's going to be a long season, with 28 league games, a cup competition in the middle of that where we play seven games, the Challenge Cup and the play-offs.

"A lot of teams seem to have improved their personnel and have got stronger. But we are a lot stronger than were this time last year. We've had a full pre-season, which I've been highly delighted with.

"And with 28 players training regularly, we've certainly made massive strides forward."

He added: "Unfortunately, at the end of last year, we picked up some injuries and lost a couple of players. But we have added some more quality players to the squad which will hopefully give us the boost that's required for the start of the season."

On Sunday, Hall expects to choose his 17 from: Owen, Cooper, Bunyan, O'Meara, Calland, Billy, Agar, Tawhai, Ayres, Sculthorpe, Patchniuk, Rodgers, Ireland, Berry, Long, Stephenson, Larder, Smith, Sinfield, Wood, Ball, Mayberry.

THE club will be taking orders for season tickets and the new replica shirts on Sunday. Shirts will be available on a first come, first served basis. It is the first time the new shirt has been on sale and demand is expected to be high.