That's because his men have adjusted their mentality 2021 and won't be defined by the outcome of any one clash, or a trio of rivalry games for that matter.

The fourth-placed two blues will take on the green and golds for the third time this winter, having been outscored 78-36 by Daniel Mortimer's men through two losses.

And while Wykamp has huge amounts of respect for what the ladder-leaders have done so far this season, he's not willing to hinge his side's premiership chances on its series with CYMS.

"We've really changed our mindset on how we approach games this year," he said.

"In the past we've tried to win everything, but this season we're just trying to play week-to-week.

"I have a lot of confidence that even if we don't win this week, we're still going to be there at the end of the season."

CYMS have set the pace so far this year and a 34-32 win over Panthers in round 11 officially saw them claim top spot on the ladder.

"Their strengths are clearly their one, seven and 13," Wykamp said.

"Joe [Duffy] turns up defensively and he's a real asset. He stiffens up the middle of the field and he's not usually someone you want to be near.

"Lachie's [Munro] got the ability to defuse a bomb, and his footwork is unstoppable. We don't want to have one defender on him, but three or four."

As for Mortimer, Wykamp labelled the former NRL playmaker as "a tough little bastard", praising his underrated tackling and his ability to engage a defensive line.

There's no doubt CYMS have a premiership-winning side, but Hawks addition of Chris Grevsmuhl made their line-up just as formidable

The former South Sydney Rabbitoh announced himself in spectacular fashion against St Pat's, standing out to Wykamp with his defensive chat.

"His ability to organise a defensive edge is next level," he said.

"He seems to have come back to town for the right reasons and he's going to be a real asset.

"We're glad to have him and he seems to be in a really good space right now."

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