Wane delighted by Manfredi's man-of-the-match return

Thomas Leuluai touches down for Wigans first-half try but dislocates his finger in the process

They were important tries, too, helping turn an 8-6 lead after 70 minutes into a 26-6 victory over Warrington - in their fifth meeting this year.

The win came at a cost, with Willie Isa suffering a potential season-ending broken collarbone injury.

But otherwise, the mood was buzzing with positivity after Manfredi's successful return to action following more than two years on the sidelines.

And coach Shaun Wane said: "I'm so pleased for him. These players are bred to run and whack people every week and when you get this taken away from you for two years... I can't imagine where he's been.

"He carried the ball well and both tries took some scoring, they were Dom Manfredi-type tries. I'm really happy for him. He's just been on the drum now leading the victory song.

"I remember the dark days, Dom working on his own in the gym. I've never been through anything like he has. To come back like he has, every credit to him."

The victory propelled Wigan three points clear of third-placed Castleford, with two matches remaining - putting them on course for a home semi-final.

Stefan Ratchford's second-half try - when Sam Tomkins was in the sin-bin for dissent - had cancelled out Thomas Leuluai's opener, before George Williams' penalty nudged Wigan 8-6 in front.

And when Tom Lineham was shown a yellow card for a high shot on Manfredi, the hosts capitalised on the numerical advantage.

"Our attack was off in the first half," said Wane. "It was two disrupted teams, but it happens often at this time.

"I'm happy to keep knocking the wins off but I'm never happy. I'm just thinking about what we can improve on.

"But it's a good dressing room and everyone is pumped. It was Sarg's 100th game so it was good for him, after everything he's been through."

Wane will welcome back Joe Greenwood from suspension for next Thursday's trip to Huddersfield and will check on the fitness of Sean O'Loughlin (calf) and Ben Flower (back).

Warrington coach Steve Price said: "Wigan handled going down to 12 men better than we did.

"For 68 minutes there wasn't much between us, two teams having a crack. I'm really proud of the guys, it was a good opportunity for some young lads."