Joe Wheeler locking to make his mark [Otago Daily Times]

Joe Wheeler is a lock - first and foremost. Injury-free and learning from one of the best in the business, Wheeler is hoping this is the season in which he shows his true potential.

He may be only 25 but this is his fifth season of Super rugby. The big lock was with the Crusaders for three seasons and is now in his second year with the Highlanders.

He has flirted with being a blindside flanker for the past few years but now sees himself as a lock. And nothing else.

''Last year, I was a bit of both, really, but I said to the coaches this year I want to focus first and foremost on lock. I wanted to give it a crack there.

''But it is probably the most competitive position in this squad. We are blessed with five really good locks. Which brings out the best in all of us. That makes selection tough for the coaches, which they want.

''I'm really enjoying it at the moment and being part of a team which has a good culture and a good bunch of guys.''

He impressed in the narrow loss to the Chiefs and felt his form was carrying on from last year's ITM Cup when his Tasman side won the championship.

A pre-season where he stayed off the roads and focused on the gym was helping his game.

''It has always been a battle for me to keep weight on. But I have managed to. I did a bit more work in the gym and put a couple of kegs [kgs] on and that seems to have made a difference.

''Brad [Thorn] has been great for all us forwards, and especially all the tight forwards. It is a really competitive environment in there.

"The locks really work together and push each other hard and he [Thorn] is huge into that and brings the best out of everything.

''I had a couple of years with him at the Crusaders; we always knew what he did at the gym was pretty inspirational but he sort of did it on his own. Now he is sharing his ideas and that is great for us.''

Last year, Wheeler's season mirrored the team, as the side struggled to just three wins.

''We were smashing ourselves round at trainings a lot last year and it was something that was new to me. I found myself going into games pretty tired usually.''

Wheeler had two serious injuries when at the Crusaders - a shoulder reconstruction followed by a prolapsed disc in his back, which took a good year to recover from.

''After that back operation I was at a crossroads in my career. I got thinking a change is sometimes as good as a holiday and decided to come here.''

He has not regretted that decision, and is hoping to sign for the Highlanders for another year.

His brother, Ben, plays first-class cricket for Central Districts. Joe also dabbled in the sport but, signing for Tasman rugby straight out of school, he gave up chasing willow.

Wheeler will start with Jarrad Hoeata at lock tomorrow night in a game which is shaping as a season-maker for the Highlanders.

''We love playing here at the stadium. We really want to make it a fortress for us. The Force are a good side. They will be pretty confident after the Rebels match. If we can get another win that keeps us in the mix.''

Wheeler is also the host of Highlanders TV and said he enjoyed doing it as it gave him a chance to display players' personalities, which many people did not see.

So, how would he describe himself?

''I'd say, enjoys a bit of a laugh and a good time.''