Thursday 16 April 2015 19:27, UK
Ben Flower has been urged to "go as hard as he can" as he prepares to return to the field after a six-month ban for punching an opponent.
Flower was handed the second longest ban in Super League history after twice punching Lance Hohaia in the opening moments of October's Grand-Final at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old Wales international forward will resume his career for Wigan Warriors in Thursday's Super League derby with Warrington.
Wigan coach Shaun Wane said he will throw Flower straight back in to the action, almost certainly from the bench, and expects him to be just as physical.
"I hope he's a bit more aggressive and a bit stronger and a bit fitter," Wane said of Flower, who underwent knee surgery during his enforced lay-off.
"He's without doubt one of the best front rowers in the comp and that's we want. We need a Ben Flower in our team. He's dynamic, just what I like, he runs the ball hard and he's uncompromising. He's perfect for me.
"I'll be telling him to go as hard as he can, run as hard as you can, hit as hard as you can and just carry on from where you left off because bear in mind in the play-off games last year he was one of the best. I want him back to that form as quickly as possible."
Confident
Flower was also fined 50 per cent of his wages during his ban and has been coaching local juniors as part of the punishment handed out by his club.
Despite the lengthy lay-off, Wane is confident Flower will return to his best.
"He's in a very, very good state of mind," Wane said. "He's very strong and he's trained really well. I can't wait to put him in. I'm really looking forward to it. I've been itching for this game to come and he'll get a chance.
"He just wants to get back to what he's paid to do, playing rugby and being one of the best middles in the competition.
Meanwhile, Wane has denied Wigan are close to finalising the return of England full-back Sam Tomkins.
Tomkins has been granted a release from the last year of his three-year contract with New Zealand Warriors after becoming homesick and it is thought he is heading back to the Warriors, who retained first option on his services.
"He's one of the best players in the world and we're always interested in the best players but I've been told nothing," Wane said.
