Ben Flower: I owe Wigan team-mates in Grand Final

Ben Flower has spoken of his determination to make amends for his costly red card in last year's Super League Grand Final when Wigan Warriors face Leeds Rhinos in Saturday's showdown at Old Trafford.

Prop Flower was banned for six months after a brutal attack on Saints' Lance Hohaia in only the second minute in Manchester 12 months ago.

The Wales international's mindless actions left his team-mates up against it and they were beaten 14-6 by their arch-rivals, but Friday's semi-final win over Huddersfield Giants has given the 27-year-old another shot at the showpiece.

Flower, who became the first player to be given his marching orders in a Grand Final, is eager to make the headlines for the right reasons this time around.

He said: "I owe the lads " 100 per cent. I messed it up last year and it was solely down to me.

"I just want to be playing rugby and I owe them everything. They got me back there and I'll do my best for them.

"You can't fault the boys for getting us there and I owe them everything. I will play my heart out when we're on the field.

"Everyone is going to play their part and do their best. It's going to be a hard game."

Flower will be emotional when he returns to the scene of his rash act and said he has learnt from his moment of madness.

"I will be nervous but I know I've got to focus on the job," he added.

"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 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."