STEFAN Ratchford’s return to Warrington Wolves’ squad shows the new reserve grade is already proving beneficial, according to first-team coach Richard Agar.

Ratchford will replace Kurt Gidley, who suffered a concussion in Friday’s win over Wakefield, in the halves when Wolves visit Salford Red Devils tonight, Thursday.

Ratchford was joined in the reserves’ win at Hull FC last Sunday by new signing Mitch Dodds, who could be set for his Wire debut at the AJ Bell Stadium.

“From a club standpoint, we’re very grateful we’ve got a reserve grade side,” said Agar.

“It was a really valuable exercise and a terrific standard game. Hull had some experienced players and provided a highly competitive game.

“We’ve had the opportunity to utilise this to get Stefan and Mitch more ready for playing first grade.”

Agar expects Ratchford to slot seamlessly into position alongside the impressive Chris Sandow.

“Of course losing Kurt is a tough one,” added the former Wakefield boss. “He’s been very influential in his opening games both on and off the field and very quickly has established himself as a major player.

“To be able to bring a player of Stefan’s calibre, having already had some football under his belt, into that position is a good indication of the depth of our squad this year.

“He’s ready and chomping at the bit. He only played 40 minutes with the reserves but I think it’s fair to say we saw enough.

“He’s very sharp, his skill was certainly on the money and fitness wise he’s in a good place as well so we feel very confident putting Stefan in.”

Daryl Clark joins Gidley on the sidelines, missing out with a slight calf tear that Wolves hope to be sorted by Round Five.

Former Brisbane Broncos man Dodds’ last competitive outing was an NRL Grand Final loss to North Queensland, with a post-season wrist injury keeping the prop out of action since.

But Agar was impressed with the 26-year-old’s contribution in the weekend’s reserve fixture.

“He’s a little bit underdone on game time at the moment so we’re expecting once he gets a few more minutes to see the best of him,” he said.

“He carries the ball strongly and the one thing Mitch really can do is tackle – his tackle technique, his tackle selection. He really makes his presence felt in and around the rucks in the middle of the field.

“That was a big factor in catching the eye of Tony (Smith, head coach) when he became available.”