Dom Manfredi: Wigan Warriors wing to retire at the end of the year

Dom Manfredi has played 82 times for Wigan Warriors and won two Super League titles but has suffered recurring knee injuries which have forced the wing to call time on his playing career; Manfredi: "I'm in pain constantly and it's affecting my quality of life."

Image: Dom Manfredi scored two tries in the 2018 Grand Final

Wigan Warriors have confirmed Dom Manfredi will retire at the end of the season due to injury.

The 27-year-old has been medically advised to call time on his career but will continue until the end of the 2021 Super League season when his contract expires.

Manfredi, who has been at Wigan since age 14, suffered an injury to his left knee in training last week which is a recurring problem for the wing.

Manfredi suffered back-to-back ACL injuries on his left knee and another on his right, resulting in three reconstructions in just five years.

The two-time Super League Grand Final winner has played 82 times for Warriors and scored 57 tries in the process since making his first-team debut in 2013.

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Manfredi says he will honour his Warriors contract and return to action when he is fit to play again this season.

On his decision to retire at the end of the year, he said: "As everyone knows, I've had a lot of trouble with my knees, especially my left one since I was young. The number of injuries I've had to it has finally taken its toll.

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"I'm in pain constantly and it's affecting my quality of life. Over the last nine months, the pain has been increasing and I've had more symptoms, but I've been trying to battle through it. It's come to a point where I'm struggling to get through a week in training.

"I've been expecting the news for a while because of the amount of pain I was in. I knew it wasn't normal, but I just tried to hide it. It's got to a point where I can't hide it anymore which is why I went to see the surgeon. Nothing else can be done. I'm going to try and manage it as well as I can this year by having injections and getting the best physio treatment and rehab available.

Former Leeds Rhino skipper Stevie Ward is sad to see Wigan Warriors winger Dom Manfredi retire at the end of the Super League season.

"I've had some incredible lows, but I've also had some unbelievable highs. All in all, it's been worth it. I've given my body to rugby league, and I'd do it all again. I believe rugby has made me the person I am today.

"I want to go out on a high and do my best for the team. I know I'm struggling at the moment, but hopefully in a few weeks I feel a bit better, and I can get out there and do my part.

"I can't thank the staff at the club, the players and all the fans enough for all their support in my time playing. They've had my back through thick and thin and I couldn't have done it without them. They've all been so good to me and I'm so grateful."

Image: Manfredi made his Wigan debut in 2013 and came through the club's academy system

Warriors' executive director, Kris Radlinski, said: "We are all so proud of the journey that Dom has been on. He has overcome injury after injury but in the process, he has amassed a lifetime of memories.

"He is rated very highly by the players and teams he has played against, but it is those in the inner circle who have the most respect for Dom.

"The hours of work that Dom has put in on his own in the gym when nobody is around and then the constant strapping of ice on knees has ultimately taken its emotional toll.

"He is going to give it one last push for the remainder of this season and then we will chairlift him out whenever his last game comes. He needs all the rugby league fans behind him on this last push.

"Over the coming weeks we will work hard on planning the support that Dom needs for the life after rugby. He will be missed by everyone at the club but will always be welcomed back as a champion."

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