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Exciting Emirates Western Force winger Nick Cummins and impressive second rower Sam Wykes have recommitted to the club for another two years in a positive sign for the future of the West Australian franchise.
The pair arrived in Perth ahead of the 2008 season and quickly made an impact, Cummins earning his debut in round one against the Sharks in Durban and Wykes a week later in Bloemfontein against the Cheetahs. Good mates off the field, they’ve also driven each other to progress in their rugby development and Coach Richard Graham believes the best is to come from both players.
“Sam’s work in pre-season has demonstrated a real appreciation of what it is to be a professional footballer and as an organisation we can enjoy strong return over the next few seasons,” Graham said.
“Sam has evolved a number of elements of his game, notably the lineout, where, during Nathan Sharpe’s absence in pre-season trial matches he was the primary caller and I thought acquitted himself well.
“Nick also understands what it takes to play at this level and has worked hard to develop a level of conditioning that will allow him to compete with the very best.
“His form in the trial matches was outstanding and with more hard work I believe Nick will become a standout for the Emirates Western Force.”
Cummins, who originally hails from Queensland and has notched 25 Super Rugby caps, said it wasn’t a difficult decision for him to commit his future to the club with the Perth lifestyle suiting him down to the ground and the rugby programme providing the right opportunities for him to achieve the most from his career.
“If you’re happy where you’re living and you’ve got your goals set then you’ve got to put pen to paper and get on with it,” Cummins said.
“The blokes that I’ve met over here I’ve formed a bond with and the programme has worked us really hard. I feel like I’m the fittest I’ve ever been and probably in the best shape to have the best season I’ve ever had.”
Wykes hasn’t missed a beat throughout a tough pre-season and received a glowing endorsement from skipper Nathan Sharpe who picked his fellow second rower to be one of the big improvers in 2011.
“I believe you’re going to see big things from Wyksey, I’ve seen him develop over the last few years and really think he has found his feet and looks set to make a significant impact,” said Sharpe.
Securing both Wykes, 22, and Cummins, 23, is an important first step in ensuring a long term base of quality players remain at the Emirates Western Force and Graham said he is looking forward to having them contribute to the club’s winning culture.
“I think having the boys commit shows confidence in the programme and what we’re doing,” Graham said.
“For us to be able to secure two players this early in the season is, what we believe, a wonderful achievement and we are continuing to work through our list to ensure there is quality and depth in each area of the ground.”
RugbyWA
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Originally Posted by fulvio sammut
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