BEN Westwood “epitomises what rugby league is about,” Wolves boss Tony Smith says.

The veteran forward will make his 400th Warrington appearance in Saturday’s game against Catalans Dragons after joining the club in 2002.

Smith is the third Wolves head coach Westwood has played under, after Paul Cullen and James Lowes, and he says the 36-year-old has been “a pleasure to coach.”

“A lot of other supporters don’t like Bennie because he plays so rough and tough, but they’d all like to have him playing for them,” he said.

“He plays it hard, he cops as much as he gives and he’s happy to do that. He just gets on with it.

“He’s a real hard man of rugby league, there’s not a lot of those left anymore.

“I think that’s why so many people love Bennie, he puts it all on the line every time he goes out on the park.

“He really does epitomise what rugby league is about. He’s been a terrific player and it’s a pleasure to have coached him.”