Wigan boss sends message to Stefan Ratchford ahead of testimonial clash

Josh McAllister
Stefan Ratchford Warrington

Warriors head coach Matt Peet says he’s ‘proud’ of Wigan-born Ratchford as he enters his testimonial year.

Ratchford, 33, has been awarded a testimonial year by The Rugby Football League for his 10 year service. 

The full-back made the move to Warrington from Salford ahead of the 2012 season. 

He has made 276 appearances for the Wolves, scoring almost 1200 points, making him the eighth highest points scorer in club history. 

Ratchford, born in Wigan, has also won six caps for England.

Warrington host Wigan on Saturday, January 29, to celebrate Ratchford’s testimonial. 

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Matt Peet sends message to Stefan Ratchford

“I’m a big fan of Stefan. I always have been,” said Peet.

“I think when you see a Wigan lad in Super League doing really well, you’re always proud. 

“It’s a pleasure to be a part of. I’d like to take the opportunity to wish Stefan all the best. I know the players are going to make some time to look after him at the weekend and present him with something.

“On behalf of the squad, I wish Stefan all the best going into this year.”

It will be Wigan’s second test of pre-season, following their 42-12 victory away at Newcastle Thunder.

Peet continued: “I think it’s a perfect test. It’ll be a quick game. Some physical ball carriers, you know that they have skill across the park.

“You know with the new coaching staff that they’re going to play an exciting, open style of rugby.

“It’s fitting in a lot of ways as a preparation.”

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Squads

The match, which will take place at the Haliwell Jones Stadium, will be Daryl Powell’s first match since taking charge at Warrington.

Peter Mata’utia, Joe Bullock, Oliver Holmes have all been named to make their first appearance for the club.

Warrington squad:  Ratchford, Charnley, Mata’utia, Ashton, Widdop, Williams, Philbin, Clark, Cooper, Currie, Holmes, Clark, Bullock, Walker, Davis, Mulhern, Thewlis, Wrench, Longstaff, Dean.

Wigan squad: Bibby, Thornley, Marshall, Cust, Leuluai, Singleton, Powell, Mago, Isa, Farrell, Bateman, Smithies, Ellis, Smith, Partington, Byrne, Pearce-Paul, Shorrocks, Field, Miski, Halsall, Hanley, O’Neill, Eckersley, Nsemba.

READ MORE: Tom Briscoe to celebrate testimonial this weekend as Leeds host Hull

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