Thursday 16 April 2015 19:27, UK
Ben Flower has insisted he will not soften his aggressive playing style ahead of his return to the field with Wigan Warriors.
The Welshman received a six-month ban - the longest in rugby league history - for his notorious act of brutality against St Helens' Lance Hohaia in last season's Grand Final.
And although he insists the two savage punches - the second of which was delivered after his opponent was already unconscious - will never be repeated, Flower is not willing to compromise on his fighting qualities after his ban expires on Tuesday.
"Definitely not," Flower said. "If I take away my aggression, it will destroy my game. I'm not the biggest prop so I need that front to get through the game otherwise I'll just be a standard prop.
"I can be really physical with players, not take a backwards step, run hard and if I'm injured, I'll get up. I make tackles, throw my body in and make a mess of things - that's what [Wigan coach] Shaun Wane breeds into players."
Control
Flower believes he can get back to his hard-hitting best against Warrington this weekend and is aware that he will be the target of the opposition's bumps and bruises.
But the 27-year-old claims the soul searching of the last six months means a scrap similar to his infamous incident with Hohaia will not materialise again.
If it does happen again I think I will be able to control myself. I’m a rugby player and that’s part of rugby, I won’t take a backwards step.
"Wait and see, but I know the outcome of such a situation," he said. "If it does happen again, I think I will be able to control myself.
"I'm a rugby player and that's part of rugby, I won't take a backwards step. I'll be the same person as I was back in 2014."
Ben Flower's full interview can be watched on Thursday's live coverage of Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves at 7.30pm on Sky Sports 3 HD.
