AS he prepares for his Testimonial fixture, Daryl Powell believes Stefan Ratchford will benefit the most from Warrington Wolves’ new style of play.

The versatile back’s superb career with The Wire will be honoured on Saturday with a game against hometown club Wigan Warriors at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Since joining the club from Salford Red Devils in 2012, Ratchford has been a vital cog in the Wire machine having made more than 250 appearances for the club.

He also holds the distinction of being one of only 12 players in the club’s history to have posted more than 1,000 points in their colours.

Renowned for his versatility, the England international has appeared in every position other than prop forward during his decade at the club.

More recently, he has found a home at full-back and as the squad gets to grips with Powell’s systems, the new head coach says the veteran “looks the part” heading into his Testimonial year.

“You can’t speak highly enough of someone who will jump into any position. It means you understand the game implicitly,” Powell said.

“Those types of players are very rare and he is one of that rare breed.

“He will jump in anywhere and do a job for us but I really think he’s going to be superb at full-back.

“It’s been great to see him in this initial period – he had a bit of an injury early on in pre-season but he’s back in full training now and really looks the part at full-back.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how he embeds into the systems we’re putting in place. I think he’ll be the biggest beneficiary of the changes we’ve made.

“He’s a class player and has been special for Warrington over the years.

“He’s obviously been here a long time and you don’t get Testimonials unless you get really embedded in a club over the 10 years.”

Powell is set to field his strongest available team for the game although there will be some injury absences.

New signing Billy Magoulias was confirmed to have undergone ankle surgery last week and will not return to action until March at the earliest, with fellow new additions James Harrison and Greg Minikin ruled out until mid-season.

Skipper Jack Hughes also looks set to miss the game – he is recovering from wrist surgery and is aiming to be fit for the Super League opener against Leeds Rhinos on February 12.