Ben Flower has been urged to be 'a bit more aggressive' when the prop sensationally sent off in last year's grand final returns for Wigan in Thursday's Super League derby with Warrington. The 28-year-old Welsh international forward on Tuesday completed his six-month ban for twice punching Lance Hohaia in the opening moments of October's Grand-Final at Old Trafford. Flower stunned the 76,000 crowd with his attack on the St Helens half-back and, after becoming the first player to be sent off in a Grand Final, was handed the second heaviest suspension in the history of Super League. Ben Flower's sickening blow on St Helens' Lance Hohaia in the Super League final that got him a six-month ban . Flower, here walking off after being shown a grand final red card, will return on Thursday against Warrington . Wigan coach Shaun Wane says he wants Flower back 'a bit more aggressive and a bit stronger and a bit fitter' St Helens possibly needed something out of the ordinary to help end an eight-year spell without a Grand Final title. Ben Flower’s two brutal punches on Lance Hohaia, which led to the dismissal of the Wigan prop inside two minutes, fit that description. CLICK HERE to read Martha Kelner's full Super League Grand Final report . Wigan coach Shaun Wane told a news conference at the DW Stadium on Tuesday that he will throw Flower straight back in, almost certainly from the bench, and expects him to be just as physical. 'I hope he's a bit more aggressive and a bit stronger and a bit fitter,' Wane said of Flower, who underwent knee surgery during his enforced lay-off. 'He's without a doubt one of the best front rowers in the comp and that's we want. We need a Ben Flower in our team. He's dynamic, just what I like, he runs the ball hard and he's uncompromising. He's perfect for me. Flower falls on Hohaia after first punching the New Zealand international to the ground . Referee Phil Bentham was given no choice but to make Flower the first player sent off in a grand final . 'I'll be telling him to go as hard as he can, run as hard as you can, hit as hard as you can and just carry on from where you left off because bear in mind in the play-off games last year he was one of the best. I want him back to that form as quickly as possible.' Flower, who was fined 50 per cent of his wages during his ban and has been coaching local juniors as part of the punishment handed out by his club, is ready to 'rip in', according to Wane. 'He's in a very, very good state of mind,' the coach said. 'He's very strong and he's trained really well. I can't wait to put him in. I'm really looking forward to it. I've been itching for this game to come and he'll get a chance. 'He just wants to get back to what he's paid to do, playing rugby and being one of the best middles in the competition. 'He's had a long pre-season and he's dying to rip in.' Flower's second punch (left) became the focal point of the all-in brawl which broke out in the first three minutes . A bloodied Hohaia is helped from the field - he received a one-match ban for the forearm that sparked the fight . Wane says Flower is in a 'very good state of mind' after a long enforced pre-season . Wane will bring Flower straight back into the Warriors line-up, almost certainly from the bench . Meanwhile, Wane has denied that Wigan are close to finalising the return of England full-back Sam Tomkins. The former Man of Steel has been granted a release from the last year of his three-year contract with New Zealand Warriors after becoming homesick and it is thought he is heading back to the Warriors, who retained first option on his services. 'He's one of the best players in the world and we're always interested in the best players but I've been told nothing,' Wane said. 'Unless I get a phone call today telling me anything different, I'm just cracking on preparing for Warrington and Wakefield.'
Ben Flower was suspended for six month after grand final red card . Prop Flower punched Lance Hohaia on the ground in horrifying incident . He returns for Wigan against Warrington on Thursday night . Coach Shaun Wane said the Welsh international is ready to 'rip in' Flower said on Monday that he regrets the brutal attack every day .