Reluctant skipper Wykes makes his mark
Sam Wykes is not the sort of player to seek out personal glory.
It was no surprise the captaincy of the Perth Spirit did not sit too comfortably on his shoulders at the start of the National Rugby Championship.
But the unassuming second-rower will lead his side into today's NRC grand final against Brisbane City at Ballymore with confidence and can crown his best season in seven years at the Western Force by lifting the club's first silverware.
After previously only leading a team on the Force tour of Samoa three years ago and in a 2012 trial against the Brumbies, Wykes, 26, now lets his on-field work speak for itself.
"When I got to captain the boys before I was still raw and new, trying to be something I wasn't," Wykes said.
"I was falling into the trap of thinking that I had to do something special or try and win the game myself.
"This time I went and got some advice from Foles (coach Michael Foley). He told me just to be myself. That's the process I've taken into this campaign. I think I'm going OK. I'm enjoying it.
"I look at it now. The captain flicks the coin, you have your few words in the huddle and then focus on your own game. The boys are more focused on performance than your words."
The leadership role has not hurt his game. Coming off his best season with the Force, Wykes has been one of the NRC's most consistent performers.
Spirit coach Kevin Foote believes he is ready to take the next step on to the international stage. "Sammy has been unbelievable as a leader and as a person, one of the most consistent guys throughout the competition in any team.
"Every time he has pulled on the Perth Spirit jersey his performances have been exceptional. I'm probably a bit biased but I think Sammy is putting his hand up for a show at the World Cup."
Foote has retained the same side which shocked unbeaten minor premiers Melbourne Rising in a semifinal and is out to avenge the 26-21 round-two loss to Brisbane.
