“I’d do it all again” – Wigan winger Dom Manfredi forced into immediate retirement

The 27-year-old announced in June his intention to retire at the end of the season on medical grounds after being plagued by knee injuries and, after another consultation, has decided to hang up his boots with immediate effect.

“Rollercoaster is an understatement to describe my rugby league career,” said Manfredi, who scored 57 tries in 82 appearances for the Warriors.

“It’s been up and down a few times but, on the whole, I’ve loved every minute. I’d do it all again, despite what it’s done to my body. It’s been worth it.”

Wigan executive director Kris Radlinski said: “Nobody can question just how much Dom has tried. It has genuinely broken our hearts watching him push his body.

“Unfortunately, after receiving medical advice, there is nothing more that they can do for Dom’s knee.

“The priority now is to get him pain free so that he can live a normal life. This will involve very aggressive surgery in which the surgeons break Dom’s leg and realign his knee.

“That will not be the end of his surgeries as in 15 years’ time, he will require a complete knee replacement.

“Dom has been with us since he was 14. He is such an unassuming, humble and honest man.

“He wanted no fuss this week and I had to explain to him just how much he means to Wigan fans and how much they will want to send him off well.

“On Friday for the game against Salford, Dom will lead the team out onto the field. He will be joined by his family and a montage of his greatest moments will be shown on the big screen pre-game.

“We will work hard with Dom to ensure that he has a great life after rugby. I make no apologies for reaching out to the rugby league community by asking if anyone has any potential work or career opportunities for Dom to consider, then please get in touch.”

Meanwhile, Wigan are monitoring a hamstring injury that threatens to end both the season – and potentially the career – of veteran half-back Tommy Leuluai.

The long-serving New Zealander, who is expected to hang up his boots at the end of the year, limped off during Sunday’s win over Leigh and has been sent for scans to determine the severity of the injury.

“It looks like he’s done his hamstring to a pretty serious degree,” said coach Adrian Lam. “We will know a little bit more about that when the scan results come back but it doesn’t look good.”