Ben Flower does not believe he deserved the standing ovation which greeted his return from suspension on Thursday night . As his Wigan side beat Warrington 30-20 , the Wales forward made his first appearance since he punched St Helens ' Lance Hohaia in the opening moments of last season 's Grand Final , earning a six-month ban . The 27-year-old , who came on as a substitute in the 23rd minute of Thursday 's match , told the Daily Star Sunday : ' I was surprised how calm I was , with everything going through my head about doing the right things . Ben Flower does not believe he deserved the standing ovation which greeted his return from suspension . 'But I did n't expect such a big loud roar and a standing ovation . For the fans to stick by me like that is a credit to them . 'It was lovely for them to do that but at the end of the day I do not deserve that because I let the club down massively . ' Ahead of Flower 's return , coach Shaun Wane had said he wanted to see him come back an even more aggressive player , but Flower said he needed to learn how to manage his emotions . ' I will get back to being a more aggressive player as I get fitter but aggressive does not mean that I am going to be a dirty player , ' he said . 'What happened in the Grand Final was a massive mistake . ' The Wales forward in action during Wigan Warriors ' 30-20 victory against Warrington last Thursday . Flower struggles to control the ball as Warrington forward Ben Currie lines him up the for hit .
ben Flower returned from his six - month ban on Thursday night . Wales forward made first impact since he punched St ##ers ' Lance Hohaia in the opening match of last season 's Grand final . 27-year - old received a brilliant performance during 's Wigan 's 30 - 20 victory against hearts .