Danny Sculthorpe has been handed the chance to resurrect his career by Widnes, who are now coached by Denis Betts.
Experienced prop hasn't played a competitive game for 16 months
Danny Sculthorpe has been handed the chance to train with Widnes as he bids to resurrect his rugby league career.
Prop Sculthorpe has not played a competitive match for 16 months due to injury and was released by Bradford at the end of last season.
The 31-year-old, who is the brother of former Great Britain loose forward Paul Sculthorpe, caught an aberrant infection following a back operation in January of last year.
The infection spread into his blood, causing septicaemia and serious complications for the player - made worse by the fact he is an insulin dependent diabetic - and he lost nearly two stones in weight.
Vikings chance
Now the ex-Wigan and Wakefield front-rower will look to earn a contract with the Championship club, who are now coached by Denis Betts.
"Danny starts training with us today, although he's not available to play until the end of next month," said Betts.
"It's good to have Danny on board. He's a great talent. I think he's got something to prove. He's spent a couple of years getting over injuries and not playing a lot.
"But he's in very good shape. It's a credit to Danny that he went out and got his own physio and hopefully it will work out for him."
Betts himself is returning to the game with the Vikings, who are tipped to be awarded a place in Super League for 2012 and beyond, after a five-year spell working in rugby union.
"It's great to be back," said the former Great Britain international who had a brief spell in charge of Wigan in 2005. "This is what I am.
"I really enjoyed my time in rugby union. I learned new skills and it improved me as a coach but my heart has always been in rugby league.
"The championship is a tough competition and it's nice to get down and get your hands dirty."
