VIDEO: Shaun Wane talks about Joel Tomkins' 'shocker'

Tomkins will sit out tomorrow's game at Wakefield for the drunken video nasty which went viral and was widely condemned.

Brother Sam was fined £5,000 for his lesser involvement in the incident five weeks ago in a Standish pub.

Wane did not want to elaborate on statements made by Wigan and Tomkins, in which he issued a whole-hearted and unreserved apology.

But speaking at his weekly press conference, the Warriors coach said: "All I would say is they have made a massive error but I have known them for 15 years and they are very, very good people, well mannered.

"They've made a mistake on one night and they are paying the price, big-time.

"I've known (Joel) more than half his life. I'm very close to him, and Sam. They're very well brought up. I've never had a problem with him. He's a credit to his club and to his family - he's just had a shocker."

Having punished Tomkins with a four-game ban and a £10,000 fine, Wane stressed the importance of supporting him through this period.

"Joel is a conscientious man," said Wane.

"Sam is mentally tough, Joel is the one we need to make sure everything is good.

"Steve McCormack (Wigan's player welfare manager) is working with him very closely and is doing a good job."

Wane insisted the controversy has not impacted on their preparations for tomorrow's clash at Wakefield.

Tomkins is not the only player dropping out of the frame. Props Taulima Tautai and Ben Flower also have minor injuries, while Ryan Sutton has a knee problem which is likely to sideline him for six to eight weeks.

Wane will give chances to Callum Field, Gabriel Hamlin and Romain Navarrete, while Dan Sarginson's return at centre will allow John Bateman to return to the back-row.

"I'm excited to see them," said Wane.