Stefan Ratchford eyes front row stint to complete set of playing positions

STEFAN Ratchford may turn tradition on its head to complete a full set of playing positions.

Normally, prop forwards kick goals at their testimonial or final appearance – his may see a goal kicker pack down at prop!

If that happens, that would see the Warrington star complete his journey of featuring in every position in a rugby league team.

Known as a full back, Ratchford emerged at Salford as a stand-off, where he has been known to play for the Wolves.

He has also been named as a winger, centre, scrum half, hooker, second rower and loose forward – leaving just one role.

And if things are going well against hometown club Wigan, new Warrington boss Daryl Powell may expect a shout.

Ratchford said: “I’ve just got prop to tick off and I’m hopeful at some point I can do that before I finish.

“I’m not planning on doing a big stint in the front row but it would be nice to say, ‘You’ve played every position in the game.’

“Depending on how the game’s going tonight I might just put a signal in to the coach and ask if I can do a stint there.

“If that happens, I’m sure the Wigan forwards will be rubbing their hands looking at me as a prop forward!”

Ratchford may be celebrating 10 years at Warrington but he is a Wiganer through and through.

After growing up ‘about eight minutes’ from the Warriors’ DW Stadium, he could have gone on trial with Liverpool after showing promise as a footballer.

But it was always rugby league for him and after signing for Salford, he has gone on to make 379 club appearances and earn seven England caps.

And since making his debut some 15 years ago, he has noticed one main thing about the sport, especially since moving to Warrington in 2012.

The 33-year-old added: “The game’s certainly getting faster, I know that. Every year, there seems to be some sort of rule amendment. It's constantly evolving and I’ve had to change and adapt.

“I can’t tell you how many people have said, ‘When you get a testimonial, that means you’re either leaving the club or retiring,’ but I’ve no plans to do either.”