I had some fears last week that Manfredi had suffered another set back after Wane mentioned in a press conference that by the time he’s back he may have been out of the game for two and a half years (in response to somebody saying how good it would be to have him back after nearly two years out) but it looks like it may not just have been poor maths on Wanes part.

A report in the Wigan post today confirms his recovery is going ‘much slower’ than expected and he is well behind their estimate of a Mid April return. It’s gone way past the stage of worrying about what the side needs. We don’t have a great need for a winger at the moment but from a compassionate point of view, it really is a crying shame for the guy. He’s a lad who only ever gave his best and his injury problems these past couple of years have been so cruel.

Fingers crossed for the lad.

Fingers crossed indeed. I honestly thought he had the potential to be the best out of all of our wingers.

Top player, let’s hope he makes a full recovery.

I think the consensus is that us being a little spoilt for choice in the wing department is not such a bad thing. The recovery timescale is very slow and as we have seen with both Dom (first comeback game) and also Ben Currie, rushing back and trying to push the pace is a risk and the club don't need to take it.

I for one love Dom, I think he is a fantastic player and even better human being! I wish him all the best with this recovery and really do hope he makes a full recovery.

Given his performances when he was fit I would say it was more than potential.

Hope he can make a full recovery, at least the club will not have pressure to rush him back so he can recover and be back when he is fully ready.

Nigel Wright MK2, shame

Shaun Wane has said today that Manfredi is entering the last phase of his rehab and he should be available in the next few weeks.

It would be fantastic to see him back out there injury free.

This is fantastic news and I’ve got everything crossed for the lad. He’s certainly been through some very tough times and deserves a bit of luck. In addition to his superb wing play, I’ll never for get his interview with Angela Powers where he kept swearing!

Problem is, there are no more reserve games scheduled after Bradford on the 13th May. After nearly two years out, he’s gonna need some match practice.

Loan deal, maybe?

Great to hear but I'm sure I won't be the only one holding my breath when he drives the ball in those first few times! Seriously wish nothing but good luck on the lad. He's had more than his share of bad!

Great timing with Budgie looking like he’s out for a while

Hope he does return in the next few weeks. Where he returns will need monitoring by the club but I'm sure they've got this all worked out for Dom.
Where he plays when selected for the Wigan first team will need handling well too. Marshall scores tries for fun on the left wing and Davies makes himself almost undropable with his all round game.
I wish Dom well and a large slice of good fortune.

He is going to need careful handling that’s for sure and lowered expectations from fans and the media he is class but it’ll take time for him.

Fingers crossed for him

It would probably make sense wouldn’t it. The only other option would be to arrange another ten games against Wakey reserves.

Whatever happens let’s hope Manfredi comes through the games without problems and goes on to have a healthy career.

Let’s play him in the centres

Was at the St Helens game when Dom made his come back. He look devestated when he had to come off, as was his mum and waney.

Never thought he’d make a comeback, but would love him back. Even if he’s only 75% the player he was he can still do a job as our 3rd winger this year.

Good on ya Dom!

Would love it if he ever gets near his best form, but to be honest with you, if you offered me that he would have even a half decent career now I'd snatch your hand off, at Wigan or anywhere else.

Nobody deserves a bit of good luck more than him.

This is incredible news. The desire of that kid to go through two surgeries and rehabs in two years is nothing short of amazing. It's a credit to Dom and his perseverance that he is in that position today.

Also superb how the club have stood by him and aided in his rehab. After two years, it would be very easy to toss him into the trash heap and move on.

If Dom comes back as strong as he left it will be interesting who Wane plays on the wings. For me it would be Manfredi and Burgess with Davies as back up.

I wish we had cap space for another centre, desperately lacking depth there. Sau plus Gilly and Sarge would add genuine competition and allow Bateman to remain in the pack.

Won't be budgie, he's out for the season, just been confirmed.

Just seen then. Terrible news, he was just beginning to re-find his form.

It's pretty devastating, he's one player who I love to watch. Genuine pace, he's seemed to be at 90% this year and I've just been waiting for that game when he makes a break and we see him at 100%, when he's there he doesn't get caught as he has been a few times this year.

Well said Jeff.
He is a player impossible not to like and I believe a great lad as well.
His determination to get back to fitness is exemplary.

I agree. I would have loved to have Manfredi and Joe both fit as our starting wingers, seems almost doomed.

Wouldn't bank on it, not sure whether it's been announced yet, but the reserves game is off.