WARRINGTON Wolves return to action for the first time in 2022 this weekend when they take on Wigan for Stefan Ratchford’s testimonial.
Ratchford, 33, is starting his 11th season at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having arrived ahead of the 2012 campaign from Salford.
Although now firmly settled at full-back, he has played at stand-off and centre, as well as brief stints at hooker and loose forward.
In his 10 seasons to date, Ratchford has scored more than 1100 points in 276 appearances for the Wolves.
Born in Wigan, Ratchford played for Wigan St Cuthberts and Wigan St Pats before signing for Salford in 2005.
Playing alongside Richie Myler at half-back, Ratchford helped Salford to promotion to Super League in 2008.
During his time with the Wire, he has won two Challenge Cups and one League Leaders’ Shield, as well as making six appearances for England.
Wolves Squad news
It is a rare Saturday night game for the Warrington faithful, with Wigan coming to the Halliwell Jones Stadium for a 5.30pm kick-off.
Three of new coach Daryl Powell’s new signings could make their first outing in the primrose and blue, including former Wigan forward Joe Bullock.
Bullock made the switch from the DW Stadium at the end of 2021, and is joined in the squad by ex-Castleford pair Oliver Holmes and Peter Mata’utia.
Centre Toby King and captain Jack Hughes are missing through injury, alongside long-term absentees new signings James Harrison and Greg Minikin.
Another new signing, Billy Magoulias, also joined the injured list earlier this week.
Youngster Eribe Doro won’t feature either, having joined Championship side Widnes on loan. The Vikings start their league campaign away at London Broncos this weekend.
Warrington squad v Wigan (Saturday, 5.30pm): Ashton, Bullock, Charnley, D Clark, J Clark, Cooper, Currie, Davis, Dean, Holmes, Longstaff, Mata’utia, Mulhern, Philbin, Ratchford, Thewlis, Walker, Widdop, Williams, Wrench.
