PROP Danny Sculthorpe is expected to have completed his move to Wigan from Rochdale by the time Hornets kick off the new NFP season.

Hornets face Batley at Spotland tomorrow and coach Martin Hall has been quick to wish Danny well with Super League beckoning.

Hall himself left Hornets and signed for Wigan.

The Rochdale coach told M.E.N. Sport: ''Danny has been a tremendous servant and we wish him well if he is to move.''

Hornets are at full strength against Batley.

Wigan have targeted Sculthorpe, the younger brother of Saints star Paul, to replace England prop Francis Stephenson, whose contract will deter any Salford interest.

With or without Sculthorpe, Hornets are tipped for another big season by former GB scrum half Martin Crompton, a grand final winner with Widnes.

Crompton told M.E.N. Sport: ''Martin has worked wonders for Hornets - they are very strong and will certainly be in the top three.''

Leigh, who entertain Barrow, are the bookies favourites to go up.

Crompton said: ''Leigh will be there or thereabouts. Last season they thought they had a divine right to be in the final, but teams beat them and this could be one of the hardest-ever NFP competitions.''

Paul Rowley starts for Leigh at hooker on his return to Hilton Park.

Graeme West's Chorley Lynx are at home to Featherstone with Timmy Street expected to start.

Australian coach Chris Anderson is still in Wigan Infirmary but is recovering well after suffering a heart attack in last weekend's third Test.

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