THE Dragons will be looking for another big impact off the bench from Gerard Ellis tomorrow with boss Bernard Jackman admitting the front rower’s conversion to prop is way ahead of schedule.

The 25-year-old signed from London Irish as a hooker last summer but in December started to learn how to play loosehead.

Strong-running Ellis, a back row forward when he was a student at Llandovery College, has worked hard with forwards coach Ceri Jones at the Dragons Ystrad Mynach training base and reaped the rewards.

He made his first professional outing as a prop against Saracens in the Anglo-Welsh Cup last month, started there against Worcester the following week and then produced a big display against Glasgow last Friday.

Ellis was called from the bench at the end of the first half and then was to the fore in the tenacious defensive display that kept the title-chasing Warriors scoreless after the break for a 15-15 draw.

He made 15 tackles against Glasgow and will look to make a similar impression as Sam Hobbs’ back-up against Benetton tomorrow (kick-off 3.30pm).

“Gerard is a project but has come on in games and held the scrum, while he gives us good power in the carry and in defence,” said former hooker Jackman.

“He is coming through quicker than we had hoped because he was a project for next season but is doing great.”

Ellis will be joined in bringing energy from the bench by Wales tighthead Leon Brown, who put in some shuddering hits against Glasgow on his return from the concussion he suffered against the All Blacks in November.

The 21-year-old has to be content with the 18 jersey but head coach Jackman hopes his presence on the touchline will fire up in-form rival Lloyd Fairbrother.

“Leon is so mobile and works so hard, he gave us a big impact defensively last week and put the challenge to Lloyd, who has been brilliant for us,” said Jackman.

“Lloyd has him breathing down his neck, which can’t be pleasant, and is going to have to try and raise his game again to keep Leon out.

“It’s a big boost for us to have Leon back because we feel he has a huge future for the Dragons and Wales.”