WARRINGTON Wolves legend Ben Westwood has begun his new career in the kitchen.

The former second rower, who retired from playing at the end of last season, has opened Super Bennie’s Food Emporium – a fast food wagon serving everything from bacon and sausage butties at breakfast to burgers, chicken curry and jacket potatoes at lunchtime.

A talented cook, the 38-year-old has long had ambitions of opening his own business in the culinary world.

And he will be combining his new venture with coaching the Wire’s women’s team and an ambassadorial role within the club.

The former England international forward, who spent 17 years turning out in the primrose and blue, said: “It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a while and have never quite got around to.

“When I retired, two days after my last game I decided to go and buy a wagon and things just went from there.

“It looks really smart and it’s great to be up and running and into working life.

Warrington Guardian:

“Everything has been really positive, and people keep coming back – it’s all quality food fresh from the butchers, no frozen stuff.

“The support I’ve been getting has been great, and the club were fantastic with me in helping me get it set up.

“I want it to be the best butty van around, not just any old butty van.”

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Super Bennie’s Food Emporium is open from 7am to 2pm on Omega Boulevard, Westbrook, near to the Hut Group and Royal Mail’s warehouses.

Among his customers so far have been former teammates Lee Briers, Chris Hill, Josh Charnley and Stefan Ratchford.

But feeding a host of hungry rugby league players all at once can prove to be quite a challenge.

The second rower said: “Josh Charnley rang me up on his way to training one morning saying he would call in on the way.

“He called me again when he was five minutes away and told me there was nine of them coming.

“It was only my second day and I was on my own, then the other half of the team came around later that day on their way back after training.

“But it was nice to see them all, and it’s nice to get their support – I still keep in touch with most of them, and really they’re happy for me.”

With the 2020 Super League season now only a week away, Ben has no regrets about calling time on his playing career.

He added: “I really was ready for retirement, especially at the end of last year.

“Not being selected played on my mind a little bit, and I was enjoying coaching the women’s team more than I was playing.

“That was a big sign that it was time to hang my boots up.

“I had a great 21 years at the top level, I’m proud of what I’ve done and I’m happily retired now.

“It’s a great life, but I’m sure I’ll miss the rugby when it starts.”