New one year deal for “Super” Bennie Westwood

Pictures Eddie Whitham

WARRINGTON Wolves’ veteran second rower “Super Bennie Westwood” has signed a new one-year contract with the club for 2019.

‘Super’ Ben, 37, will enter his 18th season in the primrose and blue having made his debut back at the club’s former Wilderspool ground in June 2002, signing from Wakefield.

He’s gone on to make 436 appearances, crossing for 128 tries and kicking 83 goals, notching up 678 points to date. He marked his 400th Wire appearance in 2017 and his 500th career game earlier this year.

Westwood holds heritage number 1033 and has played in five Challenge Cup finals and three Grand Finals with Warrington.

His International career has seen him represent England on 27 occasions including the 2008 and 2013 World Cups.

Westwood said: “I’m very much looking forward to another season at Warrington. I really enjoyed last year. It’s the pre-season training that’s going to be the first test but I still feel I can get through it. I will get my head down and keep training hard so I’m ready for any competition that comes my way. I’m still aiming to play as many games as I can going into next year. I’ve been here a long time and experience counts for everything so hopefully I can pass some of that on to the younger guys and play a part in them stepping up.

“We did really well last year reaching the two major finals. This year we’ve brought in some great players so hopefully we can build on last year and go that one step further.

“I’ll know when my time is but at the moment I still have that desire to play. I feel as though I’ve played my part over the last 17 seasons and one more will be great to hopefully go away with a Grand Final win too.”

Warrington head coach Steve Price added: “I was really pleased with how Ben went about his business this year. He nailed his pre-season and that was reflected in his performances throughout the year. We kept in regular dialogue and I’d deliver on my word if he kept playing good football and his body was holding up. I look forward to seeing Ben in 2019. His pre-season’s important again and we will then get into the swing of things after Christmas. He’s been a terrific role model. He’s a first-class guy to coach; I love everything about him and what he stands for. He is the ultimate warrior.”