Washbrook has faith in Wakefield’s future

Although they failed to get past Leeds Rhinos in the play-offs, the seven-match winning run that got them to Headingley has certainly made people sit up and take note.

“We didn’t do ourselves any favours at times (against Leeds) but what we have done this year is change peoples’ perceptions of Wakefield,” said the loose forward.

“Most would have have had us finishing bottom two if you’d have asked them at the start of the season, not top eight and coming to Leeds in the play-offs.

“Now we’ll have to sit down, look back at things we’ve done well and not so well, and try to go a little better next season.”

Washbrook, who coach Richard Agar brought with him from Hull FC last winter, was at the centre of a crucial point of Saturday’s game when, trailing 30-20 with 10 minutes to go, he broke clear. But, with just Zak Hardaker to beat, his poor pass for Ben Cockayne went to ground.

“It was just an awful pass,” he admitted, following the 42-20 defeat. “As I’ve let go of the ball I’ve realised that Hardaker had moved too so I tried to keep hold of it. But it just went. There’s nothing I can do now. It’s all academic.”

Washbrook, who turns 27 tomorrow, continued: “Leeds have so many great individuals.

“Some other teams might not be as fast and when they’ve got a player like Kallum Watkins you’ve only got to give him half a yard and he takes a mile. Once they get through your line they don’t often get stopped.”