WAKEFIELD prop Danny Sculthorpe has joined the Giants on loan for the rest of the season, with fellow front rower Michael Korkidas moving in the opposite direction.

The 29-year-old Sculthorpe was left out of the Wildcats side thrashed 54-6 by Huddersfield at Belle Vue on Sunday for disciplinary reasons.

He returned to training with the Wildcats yesterday and has already moved across to the Galpharm to replace former Wakefield favourite Korkidas, who was unable to overhaul Eorl Crabtree, Darrell Griffin, Paul Jackson and Keith Mason in the Giants’ prop pecking order.

Giants coach Nathan Brown believes it’s a good piece of business.

“We’re really pleased for Michael that this opportunity has cropped up for him in first grade as it’s where it’s best for him to be playing week, in week out,” said Brown.

“Danny Sculthorpe offers us different traits in the front row to what we’ve already got.

“And while it’s sad to see Korky move on, as he is a very popular figure here, I’m sure the move will benefit everyone.”

Although Sculthorpe will be available for the rest of the Giants’ Super League campaign, he is cup-tied for Sunday’s home Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-final clash against Castleford (3.30).

But Giants skipper Brett Hodgson has today confirmed he is hoping to make a return this weekend.

The inspirational 31-year-old goalkicking full-back has missed his side’s last two Super League games with a quad muscle injury, and admits he would be bitterly disappointed to miss out.

“The leg now feels really good, and at this stage I’m very hopeful I’ll be back for the cup game,” he said.

“I’d rate my chances of playing right now at 80:20 in favour, and if I’m able to train fully for the rest of the week there’ll be no problems. With the way things are going, I’d be gutted to miss out.”

More RL – Page 41.