Why Dom Manfredi 'won't be rushed' into Wigan Warriors side

Dom Manfredi hasn't played this year. Picture: SWPix

The winger, 27, hasn't played this year due to a hand injury.

Adrian Lam revealed Manfredi is recovering well and hinted he could have been pushing for selection for the Warriors' home game against Hull FC on Thursday.

But the coach is being cautious rather than fast-tracking him straight back into his side, and will keep Manfredi on ice as he fields an expected unchanged line-up.

"It looked like Dom may be a chance this week," said Lam.

"But I'm not going to rush him, we feel it's not a need to rush him, we're going okay, we're erring on the side of caution."

Lam was happy with his team's display in their last outing, beating previously-unbeaten Castleford 22-12 on Thursday night with Jake Bibby and two-try Bevan French in the wing roles.

And the coach says Manfredi - and other players returning from injury - need to earn their place back in the side.

"Dom brings us so much, he's in the England squad, so we understand how important he is," said Lam, who has guided his side to five straight wins this year.

"But I feel our players, even though some have been out of position, they deserve a lot of credit.

"t's a reward for them and a reminder to our players who are coming back that it's not an open seat, they'cant come waltzing in.

"It'll be the same squad as last week, there's no change."

Thomas Leuluai (sternum) and Oliver Gildart (groin) are also sidelined with minor injuries, with Liam Marshall (knee) and Jai Field (knee) set to return further down the track.