Paul Sykes didn’t even know he’d passed a major career milestone.

By scoring 20 points in Bradford’s 58-16 victory over Leigh last week, the versatile star racked up more than 1,000 for his career to take up membership in an exclusive club.

He is only the fourth player to pass that mark while playing for the Bulls in the Super League era, following in the hallowed footsteps of Paul Deacon, Henry Paul and current boss Steve McNamara.

But the moment, which came when he converted Chris Nero’s 62nd-minute try, had completely passed Sykes by.

“I didn’t know,” he said when told about the feat by the Telegraph & Argus.

“I knew I was close but it’s pretty good to make it I suppose.

“It’s a milestone and it’ll be a good one to tell the kids when you’re older.”

His response shouldn’t be confused for indifference though. It’s a simple matter of the Bradford academy product having much bigger priorities.

“I’d swap 1,000 points for a Grand Final appearance any day,” he said.

“You don’t really think about the amount of points you score when you’re playing because that’d be pretty selfish really. You just get on with the game at hand and do whatever you need to do to help the team win.”

Much of Sykes’ 1,003-point haul was recorded during a five-year spell in London, where he established himself as a reliable goal-kicker for both the Broncos and Harlequins and remains the club record-holder for most goals in a Super League game with 12.

He said: “I still remember that game against Wakefield because it was like all four seasons in one that day!

“I managed to kick 12 goals from 12 attempts so I was pretty pleased with that and it was a club record.

“I don’t remember many other games but I only scored my first hat-trick last year when we beat Wakefield at Murrayfield, so that one sticks out.”

Even if Sykes isn’t getting too excited about his achievement, it still offers a degree of vindication for a player who’s received more than his fair share of criticism over the years.

Made a scapegoat for England’s failed World Cup campaign in 2008, the 28-year-old utility back copped for his country’s collective failures after a 36-24 defeat against New Zealand.

Consequently, his solid contribution to the Bulls’ improved performances this campaign has often gone unnoticed.

Always a threat taking on the line, Sykes’ game management skills and last-tackle options have steadily improved since switching to a more central role in the halves.

“I’ve enjoyed it but I’m still learning,” he said.

“I’ve played there a bit over the years but it’s always been on and off and I’ve still got a bit to learn about the ball-playing aspects of the game.

“Matt Orford is the main man but I do what I can to help playing alongside him. We’re still getting used to playing with each other.”

But his adaptability will still come in handy for Bradford, with the club’s tight budget meaning they have one of the smallest squads in Super League.

Sykes added: “I just get on with it and I’m happy to play wherever, as long as I’m playing.

“It’s good to have that aspect of my game where I can play in various positions because it not only helps me, it helps the team as well.”

That attitude should ensure there are plenty more points to come.