Emerging Western Force lock Sam Wykes has been rewarded for his outstanding Super Rugby campaign by being given the captaincy for the franchise's two-game rugby tour of Samoa later this month.

With regular skipper Nathan Sharpe and vice-captain David Pocock on Wallabies duty, Wykes will lead the Force in games against Samoa's Test team on August 20 and 27.

Force coach Richard Graham said Wykes deserved the honour after a strong Super Rugby campaign.

"His discipline, work ethic and desire to improve reflect everything you want to see in a good leader and he has gained a lot of respect amongst the group," Graham said.

Along with their Wallabies contingent, the Force will also be without injured regulars Brett Sheehan, Gene Fairbanks and Cameron Shepherd.

Graham has drafted seven trial players into his 26-man squad in a tour that will help him decide how best to fill his remaining few positions for next year.

"From a recruitment point of view I'll have the opportunity to see the trial players under intensive conditions throughout our 12 days away, whereas previously I'd be relying in part on other people's assessments," Graham said.

The players on trial are Eastwood centre Tim Bennetts, Nedlands loose forward Will Brock, West Brisbane flanker Angus Cottrell, Easts halfback Dominic Fuller, Gold Coast flanker Jay Havelu, GPS prop Ruan Smith and Norths utility back Sam Wara.

Samoa posted one of world rugby's biggest shocks by defeating the Wallabies 32-23 in Sydney last month.

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