HE may be Super League’s oldest player, but the desire to keep playing still burns within Ben Westwood.

The Warrington Wolves forward has penned a new one-year deal with the club to take him into his 18th season as a Wire player.

READ > Westwood extends playing career into 18th Wire season

Westwood himself expected 2018 to be his final season, but he exceeded everyone’s expectations by making 31 appearances and establishing himself as a key member in Steve Price’s side.

He has enjoyed his fair share of success with Wolves – winning three Challenge Cups – but the prize of a Super League Grand Final winner’s ring still eludes him.

The 37-year-old says finally being part of a winning team at Old Trafford is his main motivation for carrying on.

“I’ll know when my time is but at the moment I still have that desire to play,” he said.

“I feel as though I’ve played my part over the last 17 seasons and one more will be great to hopefully go away with a Grand Final win too.

“We did really well last year reaching the two major finals.

“This year we’ve brought in some great players so hopefully we can build on last year and go that one step further.”

This year's defeat to Wigan was the third Grand Final defeat Ben Westwood has been involved in for The Wire. Picture by Mike Boden

Westwood was part of the group that regathered for pre-season training on Monday – a group which includes some new challengers for his place in the team.

In addition to Price’s existing options, new signings Jason Clark and Matt Davis are contenders for roles in the second row, along with Ben Currie when he returns from a long-term knee injury.

Competition for places in the pack is intense, but Westwood says he is ready for it.

“It’s the pre-season training that’s going to be the first test but I still feel I can get through it,” he said.

“I will get my head down and keep training hard so I’m ready for any competition that comes my way.

“I’m still aiming to play as many games as I can going into next year.

“I’ve been here a long time and experience counts for everything.

“Hopefully I can pass some of that on to the younger guys and play a part in them stepping up.”