Ulverston's Wilkes relishing captain's challenge at Workington Town

The Ulverstonian moved up the coast to Derwent Park over the winter after leading Barrow Raiders to promotion from League One via the play-offs last year.

Former Super League forward Wilkes is delighted to take on the role as captain, and is looking forward to motivating the players for the League One battle ahead.

"I was over the moon," said Wilkes, who was skipper at Craven Park last season. "Obviously I have been privileged to be asked at my two previous clubs and I didn't think that I would here but I was honoured to take the role.

"I really enjoy it and like giving advice to the younger lads in my position, like Joe Ryan, it's good that they can pick my brains.

"And I love to motivate the players, it is something that I relish."

Wilkes also praised the camaraderie that new head coach Leon Pryce has instilled in the squad.

"Leon has been very good and I was quite surprised at how structured he is and his attitude to what he wants from the club," he said.

"It is good to see a coach with a nice balance, he gets you focused at the right time for training and is very switched on but then afterwards he likes a laugh, like everyone else.

"He has just brought a great sense of camaraderie, we are a tight knit bunch and everyone is committed to the cause which is there to see for everyone so far."

Wilkes has plenty of experience in the game, with spells at Wigan, Widnes, Huddersfield, Wakefield and Leigh Centurions.

And he admitted that Saturday's visit of Huddersfield Giants to Derwent Park was going to be a tough test for his side, along with a totally different prospect to their opening friendly against the British Asian Rugby Association last weekend.

"The speed of the game will definitely be different this weekend," said Wilkes.

"The side we played last weekend had some amateurs and some lads who haven't played for 12 months so, with no disrespect, the quality could have been better."