While Sam Tomkins’ return has naturally grabbed the headlines ahead of his Super League return, there are others set to make their return to league action tonight.
Although Dom Manfredi hasn’t been out as long as his Warriors teammate, his absence has been equally evident over the last six weeks after the 22-year-old’s exceptional start to the season.
After bursting on to the scene 14 months ago and producing a string of sensational displays thereafter, the Wigan flier had hit new heights this season before injury resulted in him missing out on four weeks of action.
Despite that, Manfredi has established himself as one of Super League’s best wingers, a category that teammate Josh Charnley also fits into.
However, with Charnley on his way out at the end of the season, Manfredi will become Wigan’s senior winger ahead of Shaun Wane’s inevitable dabble into the transfer market as he looks to replace Charnley.
With the Warriors yet to announce a replacement, Manfredi admits that he will be keeping a close eye on Wigan’s movements in the market.
“I reckon we’ll bring in a new winger,” he told TotalRL. “Obviously, they’ll be a good player if they are coming to Wigan so that will be a good challenge for me to go up against.
“I’m disappointed to see Josh leave. We’re good mates and it’s sad to see someone go after they’ve been at the club such a long time. I understand why he is going, he wants a new challenge and I hope he does well.
“You obviously don’t want to see anyone leave, but things have to move on and Wigan will continue to produce more top quality young players.”
After making his initial return from injury in last week’s Challenge Cup victory over Dewsbury, Manfredi is keen to find his top form straight away.
“I was gutted to miss out the five games,” he said.
“I’d hit some decent form and it was gutting for me. But I’m looking to get that back as quick as I can, it’s just about getting match fit now and finding my feet.
“It’s a massive game. Hull FC are a really good team and will be challenging for trophies. We need to get this one won and prove we can be a challenge to any team.”
