St Helens v Wakefield Trinity: Washbrook out to provide influence Trinity need to extend Saints’ woes

The industrious loose forward has yet to miss a game since signing from Hull FC at the end of the 2011 season.

However, plenty of his colleagues are sidelined tonight, the pivotal Tim Smith and overseas forwards Ali Lauitiiti and Justin Poore all joining captain Danny Kirmond and prop Andy Raleigh on the sidelines.

Saints have been relentless on the road, winning all three games so far at Widnes, Bradford Bulls and, latterly, Warrington Wolves.

However, ex-Huddersfield chief Nathan Brown has yet to get off the mark on home turf and Wakefield – for all their selection problems – will look to seize on any potential uncertainty caused by that troubling run.

Washbrook, 27, is relishing the chance to exert his influence more and said: “Myself, Richie (Mathers) and Pauly (Aiton) have all had Rich (Agar) speak to us and say we’ve got to step it up.

“But we all do enjoy that side of things and we’ll bid to do just that.

“There is a big chunk missing and they’re people that are big misses for the team.

“We’ve got to step up and the young lads who have come in, like Kyle Trout and Chris Annakin, have already done a really good job.”

Wakefield salvaged a late draw after an uninspiring display against Salford on Sunday and Washbrook is fully aware of the lengths by which they must improve.

“It’s always a tough ask going over to Saints,” he added.

“We’ve just got to get a control of the stuff that we can control.

“We can’t control what they do or the referee, we can only do what we can.

“They’ll be wanting to get a first home win a lot for the fans and probably for a bit of confidence. It’s going to be a tough battle for us, but it’s one we’re ready for.”

Strong-running Hull FC winger Tom Lineham, 21, has signed a new four-year deal at the KC Stadium.