WARRINGTON Wolves' Stefan Ratchford has been granted a 12-month Testimonial by the Rugby Football League.

The full-back joined Warrington from Salford back in 2012 and has gone on to make 276 appearances in the primrose and blue.

Ratchford is eighth on the list of the club’s all-time leading points scorers with 1194 points from 83 tries, 430 goals and two drop-goals.

He has also represented England and England Knights on the international stage with nine appearances.

During the next 12 months Stef will be raising funds for his chosen charities Joining Jack, Team Ted fundraising for Alder Hey Children’s hospital, Three Wishes and the Warrington Wolves Foundation through a series of initiatives and events.

The first event of the year will be a Q&A session in the Legends Lounge at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Wednesday 13 October, 6.30pm start, with a host of names including George Williams, Gareth Widdop and Greg Inglis. The official Testimonial kit will also be unveiled that evening.

Details on a Testimonial fixture in the build-up to the 2022 season will be announced in due course.

Stefan Ratchford said: “It’s a massively proud moment for me to be given a Testimonial.

“When I signed for Warrington from Salford I moved from a club that was struggling at the bottom of the league to a successful club winning Challenge Cups so I really wasn’t sure at first how long I was going to be here - if it was just going to be one or two years. To be here now 11 seasons later, having enjoyed and been part of some incredible moments and still being able to pull on the shirt each week is a massive honour.

“I’ve been speaking to the Hilly [Chris Hill] and Coops [Mike Cooper] who’ve had Testimonials in recent years and, although they’ve had it tough because of restrictions brought on by the pandemic, they’ve still really enjoyed the events that they have been able to do and the support that the fans have given them.

“We’ve got some exciting events planned – a real mix that for everyone to attend. Hopefully the fans will get behind it and it can be a really enjoyable year on and off the pitch.”

CEO Karl Fitzpatrick added: “On behalf of everyone at the Club I want to congratulate Stef on being granted a Testimonial year.

“He was coming through the ranks at Salford when I was finishing my playing career there and you could tell straight away what a special player he was going to be.

“It’s no surprise to me that he’s achieved everything he has in the sport and he continues to be such a valuable member of our squad here at Warrington 11 years on.

“His natural flair and talent for the game alongside his hard-work, commitment and versatility makes him stand-out as one of the sport’s top competitors.

“He fully deserves his Testimonial year and we’re excited as a club for what will hopefully be a successful year for him on the field and behind the scenes.”

An RFL Spokesman added: “The RFL congratulate Stefan Ratchford for earning a testimonial year through his service to the Salford and Warrington clubs, to the England national team (and before that England Knights), and to the game in general.”