St Helens v Wigan Warriors: First Utility Super League preview
Last Updated: 12/06/15 10:38pm
Shane Wane says Wigan forward Ben Flower is ready to enter the cauldron of Langtree Park for Friday’s Super League clash with St Helens.
Wales international Flower is expected to incur the wrath of the home fans when he goes up against Saints for the first time since his dismissal in the dramatic opening moments of October's Grand Final.
The Warriors front-row forward was forced to watch his side's 12-4 win over Saints on Good Friday from the sidelines as part of the six-month ban he was handed for twice punching Lance Hohaia.
Hohaia played in that match at the DW Stadium but has since retired due to the lingering effects of the concussion he suffered at Old Trafford and Wane knows the Saints fans are sure to vent their fury at his man.
"That won't bother him at all," said Wane. "He is a strong-minded lad and he is ready to play. He is keen, revved up. And we're ready to play with him and look after him."
Flower has made five appearances since completing his suspension and has impressed his coach, who is urging him not to hold back with his aggression.
"I have had a word with him and told him that under no circumstances must he change," Wane said.
"There are things in his game that he needs to run harder and be more aggressive in contact. I have explained I want them to see the best of Ben Flower but the external stuff is nothing to do with him now. He is just concentrating on getting two points.”
Wane has named an unchanged 19-man squad for Friday’s derby. Dom Crosby, who was a late withdrawal for last weekend’s win at Huddersfield, has proven his fitness while Michael McIlorum has also trained this week.
St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham recalls winger Matty Dawson in place of the injured Tommy Makinson, who has been ruled out for up to three months with a broken leg.
Forward Luke Thompson is an injury absentee, while Lewis Charnock is on standby in case hooker James Roby succumbs to a hand injury.
Cunningham is aiming for his first derby win in the hot seat, having been involved in many of them as a player.
"I used to love playing in these games, sometimes they were better than finals," said Cunningham.
I have explained I want them to see the best of Ben Flower but the external stuff is nothing to do with him now. He is just concentrating on getting two points.
Shaun Wane
"My job is probably a bit easier this week, the players probably only need a little bit of guidance and encouragement in the game but they will be motivated.
"These games look after themselves and we are excited about playing Wigan. They have been playing well. I knew they would come out and beat Leeds and then they were great against Huddersfield. They are in a rich vein of form and I'd like to think we are too.”
St Helens: Kyle Amor, Jack Ashworth, Travis Burns, Lewis Charnock, Matty Dawson, Mark Flanagan, Matty Fleming, Josh Jones, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Shannon McDonnell, Mose Masoe, Mark Percival, Greg Richards, James Roby, Andre Savelio, Adam Swift, Jordan Turner, Alex Walmsley, Jon Wilkin.
Wigan Warriors: Matty Bowen, Josh Charnley, Dan Sarginson, Joe Burgess, George Williams, Matty Smith, Dominic Crosby, Michael McIlorum, Ben Flower, Joel Tomkins, Liam Farrell, Sean O'Loughlin, John Bateman, Sam Powell, Ryan Hampshire, Lee Mossop, Taulima Tautai, Larne Patrick, Ryan Sutton.
Watch St Helens v Wigan Warriors live on Sky Sports 3 on Friday from 7.30pm. Get a NOW TV pass from only £6.99