Mourners in Wigan are coming together to help raise money in the memory of a 13-year-old rugby prodigy who tragically downed in a quarry.

Wigan, currently fifth in the standings, have had far from an ideal start to the campaign and coach Shaun Wane conceded that the Warriors must be on top form in their first competitive encounter with the champions since October’s Grand Final.

Welsh international Flower received a six-month ban following his sending-off in the Trafford showpiece for a double-punch on St Helens’ Lance Hohaia.

After Man Utd’s victory over Hull, manager Louis van Gaal, who has managed some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs in the form of Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, bemoaned the fact that the Reds have to play over Christmas.

The Warriors issued a statement on their website explaining Flower had been found guilty of gross misconduct due to violent conduct, bringing into disrepute the Wigan club and the game of rugby league.

Wigan will make the short trip to Merseyside on Thursday February 5 before they face up against Grand Final victors Saint Helens on April 3 at the DW Stadium

The Warriors were edged out by local rivals St Helens in the Super League Grand Final last weekend

Disgraced Wigan Warriors prop Ben Flower has been hit with a Grade F offence charge for his vicious attack on Lance Hohaia in Saturday’s Grand Final.

Super League holders Wigan go into the game as the favourites despite St Helens claiming the League Leaders shield after they finished top at the end of the regular season

Saturday’s clash is the third time the bitter Wigan-Saints rivalry has been showcased in a Grand Final

Shaun Wane’s Warriors are looking to retain their Super League crown for the second season running when they clash with St Helens in the Grand Final at Old Trafford this weekend.