Wrench in works for Ratchford
STEF’S FIGHT FOR PLACE
AFTER 12 years as a Wolves regular, captain Stefan Ratchford must now get used to the weird scenario of no longer being nailed-on for selection.
The former England star has only played once in Warrington’s opening four games this term – and is unsure when he will feature next.
For a club legend who has amassed almost 350 appearances, won two Challenge Cups and made four Grand Finals with Wire, it is a strange concept to comprehend.
But you will not find the utility-back arguing with boss Sam Burgess, his former international team-mate who bizarrely is younger than him.
The 35-year-old has lost his centre spot to talented academy product Connor Wrench (inset), 22.
Ratchford said: “It is a different situation for me. I’ve not been in this position before.
“I had the conversation with Sam before the season started that my role was probably going to change a bit this year.
“Unfortunately I then got injured just before the season started, so I missed the first couple of weeks. I managed to get some game-time against Castleford and Sam was more than happy with the way I played and what I did.
“I jumped into that right centre spot when Wrenchy dropped out.
“But obviously he’s been playing well and so Sam said he was going to put him back in (for Hull KR), which is fine. “It’s a long year, so there will be other opportunities.”
There is not even much scope to get Ratchford – who can also play full-back, stand-off or loose forward – on the bench, given ex-Wigan star Sam Powell was recruited for such utility value.
But Ratchford, who joined from Salford in 2012, says the squad is behind Burgess’ decision-making.
He said: “There’s other lads who are not playing at the moment and we’re a really tight group and squad.
“Everyone understands there’s going to be players missing out each week. You can only select 17.
“At the moment it’s me in and out but I’m sure at some point someone else will be.”