The benefit game had originally been scheduled to take place at the GPW Recruitment Stadium on Sunday, with Championship Grand Final winners Barrow Raiders pencilled in as opponents, but it became a victim of the bad weather.

Coach Mick Potter plans to field a strong Saints' side as they continue their pre-season preparations for a further assault on both the Super League title and the Challenge Cup.

Super League regulars Paul Wellens, Matt Gidley, Kyle Eastmond, Leon Pryce, Ade Gardner, James Graham, Francis Meli, James Roby, Nick Fozzard and Jon Wilkin were all left out of the squad for last night's trip to Widnes Vikings in the Karalius Cup and no doubt most will feature on Friday, injuries permitting.

Second rower Bennett, forced to quit at the end of the 2008 season after initially joining Saints as a youngster in 1995, said: "It's superb that Halifax have been kind enough to step in and I am sure it will be a fitting fixture to officially launch my benefit year."

Admission to the game, which kicks off at 8pm, will be £15 for adults in the Hatton Solicitors stand and £12 for the ground, with children/concessions £10 and £5 respectively.

Bennett also paid tribute to everyone who answered the club call in what turned out to be an unsuccessful attempt to get the playing surface fit for Sunday's scheduled match.

He said: "It was heart-warming to see the number of fans, volunteers, Saints' staff and former team-mates helping to clear the pitch.

"It was very much appreciated and I would like to thank them all for their efforts."

The player's testimonial brochure is now on sale and will be available on Friday night.