Manfredi ready to make his comeback

Dom Manfredi hasn't played a senior game in two years

The luckless winger - who has not figured in a first-team match in more than two years - is due to play in Wigan’s reserve game against Halifax at Orrell.

And Shaun Wane is looking forward to seeing him draw a line under his injury misery.

He said: “Dom should be playing for the reserves.

“Injuries are a part of our sport but Dom has had it really tough, and everyone is looking forward to seeing him back.

“He’s obviously had some dark months - to not play for two years would test anyone - but he’s put his head down, worked hard and got on with it.”

Wane says he is not putting any expectations on Manfredi but has not ruled him out of playing a role in the Super-8s if his comeback goes well.

Manfredi, 24, initially suffered a serious knee injury playing at Castleford in summer 2016 but had done enough in that campaign to be named in Super League’s Dream Team.

He made a comeback in the reserves last August amid hopes he could push for a first-team recall. But he suffered a fresh setback with the troublesome joint and didn’t finish the game, and hasn’t played at any level since.

During his most recent recovery, Wigan took up the option on his contract for 2019.

In a double-header on Saturday, Wigan’s Under 19s will face Bradford Bulls U19s at their Orrell training ground (kick-off 12pm) before Wigan reserves face Halifax reserves (2pm).

Next year’s interim coach Adrian Lam will watch the matches before flying back to Australia.

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