Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves: First Utility Super League preview
Last Updated: 16/04/15 7:27pm
Wigan Warriors prop Ben Flower will make his highly-anticipated return from a six-month suspension in Thursday’s First Utility Super League clash with Warrington Wolves at the DW Stadium.
The Wales international has not played since twice punching St Helens half-back Lance Hohaia in the opening moments of October’s Grand Final.
Flower's comeback has dominated the build-up to the derby, which is live on Sky Sports, much to the disappointment of Warriors head coach Sahun Wane, who believes the player should have been forgiven for his "moment of madness" long ago.
"He's trained really well, I can't wait to put him in,” said Wane. “He just wants to get back to what he's paid to do which is playing rugby and being one of the best middles in the competition.
"We need a Ben Flower in our team. He's dynamic, just what I like, he runs the ball hard and he's uncompromising. He's perfect for me.
"I want him to just carry on from where you left off; in the play-off games last year he was one of the best. I want him back to that form as quickly as possible."
Wane also welcomes back John Bateman after he missed Sunday’s win over Catalans due to suspension.
Wigan held the Dragons scoreless as they maintained their 100 per cent home record in Super League this season, while Warrington whitewashed Wakefield 80-0 in round 10.
Wolves head coach Tony Smith has retained teenage stand-off Dec Paton, Gene Ormsby and Toby King in his 19-man squad, while Joe Philbin returns in place of Ryan Atkins, who misses out with a sternum injury.
Wigan Warriors: John Bateman, Matty Bowen, Joe Burgess, Tony Clubb, Dom Crosby, Liam Farrell, Ben Flower, Anthony Gelling, Ryan Hampshire, Dom Manfredi, Michael McIlorum, Lee Mossop, Larne Patrick, Dan Sarginson, Matty Smith, Taulima Tautai, Joel Tomkins, Logan Tomkins, George Williams.
Warrington Wolves: Roy Asotasi, Chris Bridge, Daryl Clark, Ben Currie, Anthony England, Ben Harrison, Micky Higham, Chris Hill, George King, Toby King, James Laithwaite, Joel Monaghan, Richie Myler, Gene Ormsby, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Ashton Sims, Ben Westwood.
Watch Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves live on Sky Sports 3 on Thursday from 7.30pm