The Wigan prop Ben Flower has insisted he is a different person from the one who was sent off in last year’s Super League Grand Final as he readies himself for his return to Old Trafford on Saturday.
Flower became the first man to be sent off in a Grand Final after he punched the St Helens half-back Lance Hohaia in only the second minute of last season’s 14-6 defeat. He was subsequently handed a six-month ban by the RFL but has returned from that to produce arguably the best form of his career this season.
He will play a key role as the Warriors aim to avenge last year’s defeat by St Helens by beating the Rhinos and, while he feels he owes his team-mates after last year, he will be giving everything to make up for his actions on Saturday. “You can’t fault the boys for getting us there [last year] and I owe them everything,” he said.
“I will play my heart out on Saturday when we’re on the field. Everyone is going to play their part next week and be trying to do their best. I messed up last year and it was solely down to me. But I’ve moved on and am a different person to then. I just want to be playing rugby – and I owe them everything. They’ve got me back there and I’ll do my best for them.”
Flower admitted to feeling nervous before he walks back out at Old Trafford but said everything that has happened over the past 12 months has made him a stronger person. “Yes, I will be nervous but I know I’ve got to focus on the job at hand,” Flower said. “I’ve got to set that aside and regardless of the outcome, there will be some tears shed with the relief of getting through this season. I’m just happy to be back playing and I now want to get the win for the boys.
“I’m definitely a stronger person in myself. I’ve gone through some bad times – ups and downs – but I’ve come through the other side and I’m happy with where I’m at. The slate is clean and I’m in a new season, so I just want to get on with my rugby now and forget about that. Hopefully we can have a good performance at Old Trafford and get the win.”
The Wales international scored the opening try during Thursday’s 32-8 victory against Huddersfield and he said he has enjoyed playing the sport again after being banned for so long. “It has been great, this season,” he said. “I just want to be playing rugby – I’m not bothered about the accolades and stuff like that. I just want to do my best for the boys. I feel like I’m hitting form now, which is good and I’m happy because I’m playing some good rugby.”
