Wednesday 15 April 2015 14:31, UK
Mike Stephenson has urged Wigan prop Ben Flower to not hold back when he makes his return from suspension against Warrington on Thursday.
Flower was slapped with a six-month ban after being sent off in last October’s Grand Final for twice punching Lance Hohaia.
The Wales international resumes his career in front of the Sky Sports cameras and Stevo told Sky Sports News HQ that Flower must retain his physical approach.
“If Flower has any negativity about it he won’t be the person we saw last year, where he was one of the form prop forwards,” he said.
If I was in Ben Flower's shoes I’d want to take the first ball up or get involved in the first tackle.
“There is little doubt that he should have been sent off. It wasn’t the best thing to see and it didn’t do our game any favours whatsoever. It became an international incident but that has to be pushed to one side.
“Rugby League is a physical game and I think Flower will handle it well. If I was in his shoes I’d want to take the first ball up or get involved in the first tackle.
“Flower is a talented player and I would be surprised if the Warrington forwards have a word in his ear. Things happen in sport and I hope he plays well. I have the advantage of picking the man of the match and it would do a lot of good for rugby league if I could nominate Flower.”
Meanwhile, Stevo says he is not surprised by Sam Tomkins’ decision to return to Super League next season.
The former Wigan full-back will leave the New Zealand Warriors after just two seasons in Auckland, citing homesickness, and has been heavily linked with a move back to the DW Stadium.
“He is a wonderful talent,” said Stevo. “It didn’t surprise me that he hasn’t settled down under. I went to Australia in 1973 to play with Penrith and it was difficult to get into the swing of things.
“Maybe Sam just couldn’t lose that Wigan attitude. He’s a hero in Wigan and has two brothers still playing at the club. I think he will decide to go back to the Cherry and Whites but that could depend on the amount of money that will have to change hands.
“I know there has been a lot of talk in regards to Warrington being interested, and also Salford. The famous Dr Koukash has made it clear that if Iestyn Harris is interested in him he will try to find the money.
“Koukash is the type of guy who has been pushing for Super League clubs to be allowed sign one player outside of the salary cap, and I think that might come in within the next 18 months.
“I’m not a gambling man but I’d be putting a few shillings on Tomkins to return to Wigan.”
Watch Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves live on Sky Sports 3 on Thursday from 7.30pm
