Carvell to square up with Clubb (From This Is Cheshire)

Warrington Wolves prop ready to face England teammate Tony Clubb

8:30am Friday 10th February 2012 in Sport By Christopher Terris Taylor

WOLVES’ bruising prop Garreth Carvell expects London Broncos’ Tony Clubb to thrive in the washing machine of a Super League pack.

And he will get a close-up opportunity to judge when they go head to head at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday.

Clubb, who has three England caps to his name as a centre, has been moved into the front row of Rob Powell’s new-look pack and impressed when making his first start in the position during their 34-24 defeat against St Helens on Saturday.

Carvell believes it is one of several changes that make Broncos a more formidable opponent than they have been in previous seasons.

“They’ve pushed Tony Clubb from the centres to the front row, which just goes to show they are trying to make themselves a bit more mobile,” he said.

“He will do a good job there, because he is a good player.

“I’m not sure if he should have been playing at centre anyway. He’s always struck me as more of a second rower.

“But he is an international standard centre, so there must be a good reason for them to put him in the pack.”

Carvell, having played with Clubb in the England set-up over the last few seasons, is well aware of the adaptation that Clubb will have to undergo in order to shine in the position.

“I suppose the major change is the defensive bit,” he said.

“Out in the centres you have to think and make a decision. If you get that wrong there could be a try, whereas in the middle you are basically in the washing machine, getting tumbled over and over, and it is more of a fitness issue when making tackle after tackle all over the pitch.”

Clubb's shift to the front row is one of many changes that Broncos boss Rob Powell has made in the off-season.

He introduced nine debutants into the 17-man squad that welcomed St Helens to the Stoop.

Carvell is under no illusions that they face a much more difficult task than they have in previous seasons, but warns that Broncos’ radical changes may also play into Wolves’ hands.

“They have bought really well. They have a very strong pack now which is obviously going to be a great platform for the backs,” he said.

“But the big turnaround of players can put you at a bit of a disadvantage, as you need time to bond and adapt to how others play around you.”