MANFREDI HAPPY REACHING OUT TO WARRIORS FANS

WHEN Dom Manfredi spoke to Wigan supporters about the importance of mental health during lockdown, he was talking directly from experience.

The winger has this week been part of the club’s ‘Warriors Unite’ health and well-being initiative aimed at helping fans through any current challenges.

For the resilient 27-year-old (above), it brought back memories of devastating low points during a run of three knee reconstructions in five years. Manfredi suffered back-toback ACL injuries on his left knee and another on his right, interrupting his promising career and leaving him considering retirement.

“It was after the second one that was worst,” Manfredi explained.

“I didn’t know if I’d play again, and it was during the off-season so everyone else was either on holiday or playing at the World Cup. I didn’t leave the house for three months – that was my darkest time.

“My mum came round once a day to check I was okay but I was struggling. I just thought I wasn’t achieving anything or getting anywhere and knew I needed to start doing something.

“It was just little tasks at first, but that grew and grew and before I knew it I was back in training.

“No matter who you are or what you’ve done in life, people can be in dark places – it’s how you get out of them and come back from them.”

Manfredi was able to share his experiences with a section of Warriors’ supporters this week, with his group focused on adult men.

“People haven’t been getting out of the house, so this programme at least means they can speak to somebody virtually,” he said.

Now Manfredi is hoping to have a smile on his face in 2021.

He added: “I’m fully fit and training well. It’s probably the most talented squad I’ve been part of – and I’m excited to see where we can go.”