Wigan Warriors 30-20 Warrington Wolves

1. FT: Wigan 30-20 Warrington. Dom Manfredi gets his hat-trick to help Wigan to victory.
2. Wigan announce Sam Tomkins to rejoin from NZ Warriors on four-year deal from 2016.
3. Wigan prop Ben Flower made his return after a six-month suspension.

St Helens v Leeds - Friday 20:00 BST

Having been served a bona fide treat tonight with Wigan's win against Warrington, the appetite is whet for tomorrow's top-of-the-table showdown between champions St Helens and league leaders Leeds Rhinos.

The two foes have clashed in Grand Finals, Challenge Cup finals and semi-finals, and generally turn out a cracker even if it's a everyday Super League game.

You can find live text commentary of that game on the BBC Sport website from 19:30 BST tomorrow.

Until then, good night!

SWPIX.COM

That's all folks. Wigan take the points tonight in one of the best games so far.

Ben Flower makes his comeback after the longest every Super League ban. And Sam Tomkins returns to Wigan in 2016.

Thanks for your company - you can return again tomorrow for more rugby league fun.

Ben Flower

@WiganWarriorsRL

Sam Tomkins and Dom Manfredi will be making the headlines tomorrow morning, but don't forget that Wigan prop Ben Flower played his first game in 187 days after his six-month ban.

He got a rapturous reception when he came on from the home fans and Warriors Twitter account has shown him posing for pictures after the game.

SWpix.com

If you prefer your politics, or any other Thursday night activity, to your rugby and have been watching the leaders debate, then Matt Newsum rounds up all 10 tries in his match report.

Missed the tries?

SWpix.com

Well no fear, ALL the tries of what has been a thriller at the DW Stadium will be shown in the north of England on Monday night's Super League Show at 23:25 BST - BBC One.

Tanya Arnold and the team will have highlights of all the Super League games and the best of the Challenge Cup action from round five.

If you are unable to catch the Monday night edition, it will be shown at 09:15 BST throughout the country on BBC Two and of course the iPlayer all week.

Shaun Wane

Wigan head coach Shaun Wane on Sky Sports:

"We've had a tough period of late over Easter and I commend the boys as they did well today.

"Our attack was very, very good against a good Warrington team. Where they are in the league is not where they should be.

(On Sam Tomkins) "I'm really pleased we've got him back, he's an outstanding individual."

Dom Manfredi

SWPix.com

Dom Manfredi takes his season total to 9 in Super League, just one behind the top scorer, Hull FC's Tom Lineham, with his second hat-trick in a row.

The Wigan winger signed a four-year deal at the start of April after progressing through the youth system,

Despite the impressive performance, that is now five losses in their last six games for Warrington.

Tony Smith's side remain fifth in Super League but will probably drop down from that position with the rest of the 11th round fixtures to come.

Man of the match

A good night all around for Wigan.

That win keeps them third in the Super League table but they are now just a point behind champions St Helens who sit second.

On the night that it was confirmed his brother Sam would be returning to the Warriors, Joel Tomkins showed moments of genius with some of his off-loading tonight.

He though was beaten to man-of-the-match by Anthony Gelling who scored one try and was integral to most of Dom Manfredi's touch downs.

Full time

Wigan maintain their 100% home record so far this season, but they were run very close by Warrington as the lead changed six times over the course of 80 minutes.

Dom Manfredi, who is keeping England winger Josh Charnley out of the side at the moment, with his second successive hat-trick in a game of 10 tries.

What have you made of the game tonight - the best of Super League so far this season?

You can share your thoughts using #bbcrl as we stay with you for reaction after the game until 22:30 BST tonight.

Credit to Tony Smith's Warrington who are still trying to play the ball and find gaps in the hosts defence, but the Cherry and Whites are being well marshalled at the moment.

Wigan in possession inside their own half.

Gene Ormsby shows subtle hands to lay in Toby King and his long range break gets Warrington into Wigan's half.

They work through the set but Wigan gather the kick and have possession again.

Chris Hill knocks the ball on in the tackle for Warrington and Wigan are now in control in the closing stages.

After such a frantic game, the hosts are slowing the ball down now.

Close from Warrington. A delicate chip over the top from Declan Patton and winger Gene Orsmby stretches but is unable to gather the ball after touching his fingertips and it spills dead.

The visitors need a score soon to try and get back into this game.

Paul Rowley

Leigh Centurions coach on BBC Radio Manchester

"I think that's too much for Warrington. they're looking a bit battered, and lost a lot of shape in attack."

TRY (Manfredi, hat-trick)

Is that the killer try from Wigan?

After Matty Smith has his attempted drop goal closed down, the ball dribbles along the floor to Anthony Gelling and he kicks, yes kicks, the ball into the hands of Dom Manfredi who still has to beat two defenders before touching down.

That is second hat-trick in four days after he crossed three times against the Catalans Dragons on Sunday.

A couple of tasty challenges going in from either side.

First, Tony Clubb smashes into Richie Myler when the Warrington scrum-half gets the kick away and then Chris Bridge goes high on Dom Manfredi - the referee, Richard Silverwood, though was happy with both tackles.

Paul Rowley

Leigh Centurions coach on BBC Radio Manchester

"Dom Manfredi has been patient here at Wigan, Josh Charnley lost his spot and you can't see beyond Manfredi in this form.

TRY (Manfredi)

After checking with the video referee for obstruction, Wigan's Dom Manfredi is awarded the try.

Manfredi pirouettes as he gets to the try line following slick hands from Anthony Gelling, again it was well working through the hands from the hosts backline. Matty Smith misses another kick and the game still remains finely balanced.

PENALTY

Warrington forward Ben Currie holds onto Joel Tomkins for too long and Wigan have themselves a penalty.

Understandably, the game has just lost some momentum in the past few minutes.

Substitution

Michael McIlorum stumbles to his feet after that challenge and is quite obviously concussed and despite saying he wants to stay on, the Wigan physio tells him to have a break.

Michael McIlorum stops the momentum of a Warrington attack with a huge hit on James Laithwaite. He hit him with everything he had, but the Wigan hooker has stayed down for treatment.

Substitution

Ben Flower comes off to more applause from the home fans. They're showing their support for him. He's been solid so far in his first appearance of the season on his return.

Wigan nearly extend their lead through another sublime Joel Tomkins offload. Tomkins releases Dom Manfredi but the winger is unable to find a team-mate when running towards the line.

TRY (Gelling, goal Smith)

A well worked move through the hands by Wigan as they work it from left to right. Runners everywhere but it is Anthony Gelling who is able to break the despairing tackles on him.

That's 33 tries from 61 appearances for the Warriors now for the big centre.

Sam Tomkins

BBC

Good news spreads fast. Sam Tomkins is currently the fifth trending topic in the UK on Twitter.

You can read more on his £200,000 move back to Wigan on the BBC Sport website.

Paul Rowley

Leigh Centurions coach on BBC Radio Manchester

"Declan Patton has got one hell of a boot on him, it's a catchable kick, a fundamental error.

"Warrington celebrated like they had won the Challenge Cup - they're all about body language and psychology."

Second big mistake of the night from Ryan Hampshire. A high kick from Warrington's Declan Patton is sent up and the Wigan full-back spills the ball. Warrington on the attack...

TRY (Currie, goal Ratchford)

After defending their line in the opening minutes, a simple Warrington passing moving finds Ben Currie in space and the second-row stretches his legs for an easy run in.

That is the sixth time the lead has changed already this game. Stefan Ratchford kicks his second goal of the night.

I'm going to put my neck out and say we can probably expect some more tries...

Anthony Gelling for some reason decides to not throw the ball to Dom Manfredi, who is free, early on in the set.

The Warriors work it across the line again, and after a Joel Tomkins break, this time Gelling does give the ball to his winger but good defensive cover prevents him from crossing.

Kick-off

We're back underway at the DW Stadium and it could not be a worse start for Warrington as they let the ball run into touch and Wigan have an attacking scrum.

Elsewhere in rugby league

Don't forget there is Challenge Cup action across the weekend as well as games from Super League and League One.

The plum ties? Well on Sunday - Leigh Miners Rangers of the National Conference League take on York at the home of neighbours Leigh - who welcome Salford on Saturday.

Bradford Bulls go against Hull KR and Sheffield host Hull FC at Bramall Lane.

BBC's Super League Show has previewed the round five ties, which you can watch here.

Warrington centre Ryan Atkins, who is missing the game with a sternum injury, said on Twitter: "Great half of rugby! Some solid tackles, some great individual skills & amazing team tries. If we control the ruck better we will win this"

Sam Tomkins

So after a breathtaking half of rugby, the news that one of the worlds best players is returning to Super League next year - just how good is Sam Tomkins?

Lets us know your thoughts using #bbcrl

Sam Tomkins

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan on BBC Radio Manchester:

"I think it's good for rugby league, he's back at Wigan which is where he is meant to be.

"Sam is utterly delighted to be coming back, I think it's better than relief, that makes it sound like a negative.

"He's loved the year and a half in New Zealand and he wants to end his time here on a high but he's looking forward to coming back and playing for Wigan with [brothers] Joel and Logan."

Sam Tomkins

There was a huge cheer as the Sam Tomkins news filtered around the Wigan fans. Tomkins then spoke to fans via a recorded message on the big screen at the DW Stadium.

"He's back at Wigan where he should be. It's (the negotiating) been going on for about three-and-a-half weeks now. " Wigan chairman Ian Lenegan tells BBC Radio Manchester.

Sam Tomkins

Getty Images

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan announces that England full-back Sam Tomkins will return to the Warriors from the New Zealand Warriors on a four-year contract, for a fee of £200,000.

Half-time

A frantic end to the first-half as Warrington were throwing the ball around to try and regain the lead before the break.

Wigan though hold out and we can all catch our collective breaths after a brilliant half of rugby league.

A few scrappy bits of play, but Wigan on the attack again. Joe Burgess is unable to take a kick under pressure from Wire's Joe Monaghan and Warrington bring it away.

News of a big half-time announcement currently doing the rounds... we'll keep you updated.

George Riley

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"It'll be confirmed in the next half hour that Sam Tomkins has re-signed for Wigan."

Excellent, deep kick from 19-year-old stand-off Declan Patton as Warrington try to put some pressure on the Wigan attack.

Paul Rowley

Leigh Centurions coach on BBC Radio Manchester

"It was a super try, there was a lot of space in the Warrington defence but before we get to the try, Gelling made a back-door pas, Joel Tomkins made a basketball pass off the floor.

"There were three or four bits of skill from the Wigan players. It's almost Ali Lauitiiti style from Joel Tomkins."

TRY (Manfredi, missed goal Smith)

This is a stunning try.

Wigan work it to the right hand side, and Anthony Gelling throws it out the back of his hand to Joel Tomkins. He powers forward, and then as he is being brought down, somehow, incredibly throws the ball up for Dom Manfredi to walk his seventh try of the season.

I mentioned about perfect conditions for running rugby and these two are serving up a cracker.

Warrington twice go close to their fourth of the night - first Richie Myler makes a break and then Stefan Ratchford slips with the line gaping.

PENALTY

Ben Flower knocks the ball on, much to the delight of the visiting fans. Warrington have a couple and then win themselves a penalty and kick to get back in the hosts half.

Phil Kinsella

BBC Radio Manchester

"Ben Flower gets a huge roar of approval, it's a tumultuous reception from the Wigan faithful and he also got a welcome from Warrington's Ben Harrison."

TRY (Bridge, missed goal Ratchford)

Just when Wigan seemed to be getting on top, centre Chris Bridge gets his second of the night. Warrington attack the line at pace, but Bridge has a lot of work to do from 10 metres out.

He rides the challenge of Dan Sarginson and stretches a big right paw out to touch down. Ratchford unable to add another couple of points from the tee.

Substitution

Here comes the moment... Ben Flower on for Wigan and he gets a huge roar from the home fans. He immediately gets the ball and Ben Harrison smashes into him.

PENALTY

Wigan receive two penalities in a row as the noise levels raise again from the home fans. After a nervy start, Shaun Wane's side are very much on top.

Wigan 12-10 Warrington

Guardian rugby league writer Aaron Bower on Twitter: "Some game this. Another Wigan break, this time from Burgess, and Ryan Hampshire on hand to race home. Thrilling attacking play."

TRY (Hampshire, goal Smith)

What a game this is turning into. Again the Cherry and Whites break from deep as Joe Burgess turns on the pace to get around the outside and then gives it to the onrushing Ryan Hampshire.

Matty Smith does the business with the boot and Wigan lead for the first time.

Phil Kinsella

BBC Radio Manchester

"George Williams has been picked out a bit here at Wigan for not creating enough - that's answered the critics hasn't it?"

TRY (Farrell, goal Smith)

Stunning long range try, as Wigan score with their first meaningful attack. Brilliant footwork by George Willims to break the line, he fed Joe Burgess who then found Liam Farrell on the inside. Great response.

We've had 14 minutes and we're up to 14 points, and Matty Smith kicks two more points.

Paul Rowley

Leigh Centurions coach on BBC Radio Manchester

"Chris Bridge didn't have much room to manoeuvre but he's beaten his man there. Stefan Ratchford and Richie Myler are on the money and Bridge didn't need to reach behind him to take in that pass.

"You have to put that down to some poor defence, but also good attack. It's brutal strength to squeeze through but Shaun Wane won't be happy with the defence there, it's weak defence from Dan Sarginson."

TRY (Bridge, missed goal Ratchford)

Warrington have picked up where they left off last week in their 80-0 thrashing of Wakefield last week as Chris Bridge goes over.

Bridge hands off the Wigan defence and with two players trying to bring him down, powers his way over. Ratchford misses his kick this time.

Things are not going Wigan's way at the moment. Full-back Ryan Hampshire spills a high kick under no pressure and Warrington have an attacking head and feed.

Paul Rowley

Leigh Centurions coach on BBC Radio Manchester

"They posed problems on the left edge and then put on the right shift, Richie Myler made the killer pass, created the two on one and for me it was Myler who took it to the line and squared it up.

"Stefan Ratchford made the final pass for Joel Monaghan who hugged his touchline well, but it was Myler who engaged the defence and made Wigan make a decision."

TRY (Monaghan, goal Ratchford)

Warrington have dominated the early possession and they've been rewarded as captain Joel Monaghan crosses out wide.

Good build up play, Stefan Ratchford drove towards the line and fed Monaghan with a well weighted pass to run in on the right. And Ratchford adds the extras.

PENALTY

John Bateman gives away a penalty on the half-way line and Warrington have an excellent attacking position...

Close. Warrington captained Joel Monaghan leaps high into the air from a high kick but he's unable to scramble over the line from close range.

First sight of the try line from either side.

Both teams get through a set in the early stages, but, as you would expect, the defences have been well organised.

The pitch at the DW Stadium looking in much better nick compared to recent weeks.

Paul Rowley

Leigh Centurions coach on BBC Radio Manchester

"We've seen straight away Wigan have put a bit of attention down Warrington's left. Warrington are having to do it tough already.

"The arm-wrestle begins. Tit for tat really, good set. It's dry, no wind and perfect for rugby league."

Kick-off

After an impeccably observed minutes silence, we're ready to go.

The hooter sounds and Warrington's Stefan Ratchford kicks deep into Wigan territory to get us going.

Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves

As the sun begins to set, Wigan come out under the floodlights in their red and white hoops alongside the primrose and blue of Warrington.

Huge noise inside the DW Stadium.

Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves

There is a minutes silence before tonight's game for teenager Miracle Godson, who died when he drowned at a Wigan quarry.

The 13-year-old, a student of St John Fisher school in the town, was a keen rugby league fan and played for local amateur club Wigan St Judes.

Phil Wilkinson, sports editor of the Wigan Evening Post, on Twitter: "Stars of sport are out in force tonight for Wigan v Warrington - Danny Cipriani and Stuart Pearce at the DW Stadium. Should be a cracker!"

Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves

It's a mild, calm evening at the DW Stadium, perfect conditions for some running rugby.

The players are going through their final preparations on the pitch, and my fingers have been stretched off to keep you going until 22:30 BST tonight.

Remember, you can listen to BBC local radio coverage on BBC Radio Manchester or BBC Radio Merseyside using the 'Live Coverage' tab above.

Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves

SWPIX.COM

Warrington's emergence as a trophy-winning force in this decade was arguably kick-started by their 2009 Challenge Cup success against Huddersfield Giants at Wembley.

Their road to the national stadium that season featured one of the most eventful and dramatic semi-finals of recent times, when a Lee Briers-inspired Wires held off the challenge of tonight's opponents Wigan Warriors at the home of rivals Widnes.

Tony Smith's Wolves were in control at 32-8 early on in the second-half - with Aussie winger Matt King running in a hat-trick - but Wigan fought back doggedly to close within a converted try of parity with 12 minutes to play.

Briers dropped a field goal to edge Warrington further ahead before Chris Hicks strode over to ease the nerves and book a first final appearance since 1990.

Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves

SWpix.com

With Sam Tomkins set to reveal the identity of the Super League club he will join from NRL side New Zealand Warriors, it seems pertinent to remember his last appearance in European club rugby league: the 2013 SL Grand Final.

Coincidentally that game was also between Wigan and Warrington, and was a successful parting gift as the England full-back helped deliver a double for the Challenge Cup winners that season with victory under the Old Trafford lights.

Warrington were ahead after a flying start, with tries from Joel Monaghan, Simon Grix and Ben Westwood putting them in a comfortable position.

However the loss of Australian winger Monaghan to injury at the tail end of the half caused a delay that Wigan responded best to, scoring five unanswered tries to rack up a third Super League title in the summer era.

Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves

So the big news is Ben Flower will start from the bench for Wigan after his six-month ban, while John Bateman is back at loose forward.

Warrington have given Tom King, 18, and Declan Patton, 19, their second starts of the season after impressing last week.

Kick off (20:00 BST)

Wigan: Hampshire; Manfredi, Gelling, Sarginson, Burgess; Williams, Smith; Mossop, McIlorum, Crosby, J. Tomkins, Farrell, Bateman.

Replacements: Flower, Clubb, Tautai, L. Tomkins.

Warrington: Ratchford; Monaghan, Bridge, King, Orsmby; Patton, Myler; Hill, Higham, Asotasi, Currie, Westwood, Harrison.

Replacements: Clark, Sims, England, Laithwaite.

Referee: Richard Silverwood (RFL)

@NaterlieeLou

Natalie Watson on Twitter: "Our little lads first live rugby game at two weeks old! I'm a @wiganwarriorsrl fan and his dads a @Wolvesrl fan! :)"

SWpix.com

Away from Super League for a second, and there is an intriguing game in the Challenge Cup fifth round as Leigh take on Salford.

Gareth Hock, released by the Red Devils after receiving a six-game ban, joined the Centurions a few days later.

They were then drawn together in the cup and Salford said he was unable to face them because of a settlement agreement - not so according to Leigh.

"Leigh and Gareth have sought legal advice and on the basis of that advice consider that Gareth will be available for selection," read a Leigh statement.

SWpix.com

After four losses in a row, Warrington ended their worst run since 2009 last week with a 80-0 thrashing of Wakefield.

One man still adjusting to Super League life is Wire prop Ashton Sims after signing from North Queensland in the off season.

"I'm loving it," he told BBC Radio Merseyside. "The kids are absolutely loving it and the wife is thoroughly enjoying it as well.

"There are a lot of differences. They play the rugby a little bit different over here but it is something I've had to adjust to."

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts on all things rugby league tonight...

Did Ben Flower's punishment fit the crime? Can Warrington end Wigan's 100% home record in Super League so far this season?

Have your say on tonight's action by using #bbcrl on Twitter.

BBC Sport

Doesn't 187 days go quickly?

That's how long it has been since Wigan prop Ben Flower was sent off two minutes into the 2014 Grand Final for his punches landed on St Helens' Lance Hohaia.

"He did what he did, he's more than served his sentence," said Wigan head coach Shaun Wane, who confirmed Flower will play tonight.

"He let his team-mates down and we lost a Grand Final through it. If he'd stayed on we'd have won by 30 points and that, in itself, is a lot for a player to carry."

Another Thursday, another round of Super League fixtures coming your way.

The 11th round of the competition kicks off with a belter as two of the most successful teams of recent seasons meet - between them they racked up 114 points in the last time they were on the field... more of that please.

Welcome to our coverage of tonight's game from the DW Stadium.