Wigan Warriors well-equipped for midweek matches, says Tony Clubb

Club bosses will meet on Thursday to discuss plans to resume the campaign in August. Three options have been drawn up, with the Grand Final on either November 28, December 12 or January 16. But even though the season has been expanded, it would still require clubs to play midweek matches, with four sketched in.

And prop Clubb admits that may work in Wigan’s favour given they have a wealth of talented fringe players – and more quality juniors behind them.

Ethan Havard, Amir Bourouh, Joe Shorrocks and Harry Smith are among those who have been given their chance by coach Adrian Lam. More senior players such as Jack Wells, Jake Shorrocks and Morgan Escare are also in the wings, while Kai Pearce-Paul – recruited from London in the winter – and academy-product Sam Halsall have yet to figure in the senior side.

Clubb, 32, said: “I think we’re well-equipped because we have nearly 40 players in our squad, and that would help us massively when we’ve got midweek matches.

“They’re good kids, too, and the ones who have already stepped up have shown they can handle that level.

“Clubs like Toronto, with 24 or 25 players in their squad, it may be a tougher ask to play so many games.”

Lam has another reason to give some of his younger players opportunities; the rest of this season’s reserves competition has already been cancelled – though clubs are encouraged to organise their only ‘friendlies’ – and if the Championship is scrapped, Wigan and other top-flight outfits will lose the option of sending fringe players on dual-registration.

Clubb, meanwhile, is trying to make the most of the enforced lay-off.

“For many of us, we’ve never had this time off with our family, especially in the summer – usually it’s in November when they’re at school or work,” he said.

“It’s good being in the garden and doing odd jobs about the house, but at the same time I’m eager to get back.

“I have a bike and some weights at home, so I’m trying to keep ready for when we get the green light.”