BEN Westwood has a big target for what could be his final year in rugby league – staying out of trouble!

The 36-year-old passed the 400 mark for appearances in primrose and blue in 2017, but served two separate suspensions as he featured just 16 times in all competitions.

He sat out four games for a high tackle on Liam Sutcliffe against Leeds in April and was also banned for three games for a dangerous throw on Danny Tickle in a clash with Leigh in July.

The suspensions, plus a broken bone in his hand, limited Westwood’s playing time as he closes in on 500 career appearances.

The England international believes staying off the disciplinary charts will help his cause in reaching the magic mark.

“I think I’m around 480 at the moment, so that would be a nice milestone to reach,” he said.

“I’ll concentrate on actually getting on the field this year, and not getting suspended!

“That’s a big aim of mine this year, to go a full season without getting a suspension.

“If I do that, I’ll have a chance of getting the 500 mark.

“I’m feeling good so with a good pre-season behind me, who knows what could happen.”

Westwood, like the rest of the Wolves squad, is in the midst of his first pre-season campaign under head coach Steve Price.

Despite being the oldest member of the squad, Westwood says he has been keeping up with his younger teammates so far even if the club were “looking after him” in terms of recovery.

He also believes Price’s style of rugby will suit him but that he is yet to discuss his role in the team with the Australian.

“I know I’m at the older end of the scale now and they are looking after me to some degree,” he said.

“I do a little bit more recovery than others, but I’ve gone through the same things as everybody else for the first few weeks.

“Going into a season with a full three-month camp behind me is something to look forward to. At the minute, I’m feeling fine and I’m enjoying it.

“Steve knows my game and what I’m capable of doing.

“We’ll see how training goes and nearer the time, after Christmas maybe, we’ll have a chat and go from there.

“We’ve got a few friendlies before the season gets going and I think I’ll get a run-out in a couple of them.

“Hopefully he’ll like the way I play and I can contribute plenty to the team next year.”