Teenager Dominic Manfredi has earned himself a place in Wigan Warriors’ Super League squad after catching the eye of coach Shaun Wane during the club’s pre-season trials.

The 19-year-old utility back has been promoted following two years out of the game through injury and will push Jack Murphy as the full-back understudy to Sam Tomkins this season.

“I rate him highly,” said Wane.

“He’s going to come and train with the first-team squad now full-time. He’s come from nowhere to become one of our first-team members.

“He’s been out for two years. He got injured playing for our juniors and has had some real bad luck with his knee - he’s had two micro-fractures.

“But he’s fit now and he’s eager. He catches the bus from Leigh every day and is never late for training.”

Manfredi demonstrated promise in Wigan’s 30-6 defeat at Leigh and scored one of their two tries in the 32-10 defeat at Hull KR.

“The first time I saw him was playing at Leigh,” Wane added.

“I liked what he did and I dropped a first-team player to put him in against Hull KR.

“So I hope it shows to everyone here that, if you play well, you get a chance no matter what level you’re at.”