GARRETH Carvell has revealed that some gentle persuasion from his best man helped him decide to join Warrington Wolves ahead of the likes of Bradford and St Helens.

Carvell has known Adrian Morley since their days at Leeds and the Wolves skipper will be the best man at his wedding next year, with the players’ partners also good friends.

The 28-year-old prop shocked Hull FC, with whom he won the Challenge Cup in 2005, by announcing that he wanted to leave only 24 hours after signing a new three-year contract in July. That sparked a scramble for his signature with Bradford, St Helens and a move to the NRL all possible options.

As with Matt King last year, Wolves did not seem to even be in the race until they made a late offer that convinced Carvell to move to The Halliwell Jones on a three-year deal for a fee of around £60,000.

The 6ft 2in front rower said: “I had a bit of a contract fiasco at Hull and made a mistake by signing there. I just wanted a bit of a change of scenery.

“I realised I’d make a mistake and tried to back-track but it was a bit late. It didn’t feel right. It was just a feeling inside me.

“I’ve just worked with Hull over the past few months to try to get some sort of a deal.

“I was looking at options and then Warrington came along pretty late and offered me a deal that I was pleased with. I know a few of the boys down there and it was pretty easy to decide.

“I’m really pleased with my decision. I’m over the moon in fact.

“I’m good mates with Moz and he turned the screw and that was that!

“He just told me how good it was and how it would be good to play alongside each other again.

“The girls get on pretty well, so me and Moz stick together!

“I had a bit of experience playing with him when I was younger but I’ve not been able to play with him that often, although I played with him in the Tri-Nations in 2006.

“But he is one of my good mates and he’s going to be the best man at my wedding. I’m getting married next winter. It should be a good one.

“He’ll look out for me and protect me from our lass!”

Wolves were so determined to capture Carvell that they were prepared to sacrifice an as yet unnamed player from their wage bill to fit him under the salary cap for next year.

Carvell was unaware of that fact but is flattered by the faith shown in him.

He said: “It shows that they were pretty keen to get me and I was pretty keen to come.

“I’m not sure if they’re going to have to release someone or not, and I hope they don’t, but it does show the faith they had in me.

“I want to return that and put in some good performances for them.

“The way the team is heading and the attitude they have got is right up my street.

“They want to win something and that’s what I want to do.”