Why England skipper Sean O’Loughlin chose to be a one-club man over NRL opportunities
ENGLAND captain Sean O’Loughlin has played a staggering 401 Super League games for Wigan, and says he has a simple reason for never having a crack at the NRL.
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ENGLAND captain Sean O’Loughlin has played a staggering 401 Super League games for Wigan, and says he has a simple reason for never following so many of his Pommy teammates to Australia for a crack at the NRL.
If ever there was one Englishman who could have succeeded in Australia, it’s three-time Super League premiership winning-forward O’Loughlin.
“But I’m from Wigan, I grew up in Wigan, I’m a Wigan fan, I dreamt of playing for Wigan — I enjoy my rugby league too much in Wigan,’’ O’Loughlin told The Daily Telegraph.
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“There have been a couple of times there have been (NRL) opportunities that have turned my head.
“But for me there would be too much of an uprooting for my wife and kids, just taking the them away from their grandparents.
“I do admire the boys who come over here, and with them doing well it’s a great advert for our game back home.’’
The England team who lost to Australia 18-4 last Friday in the Cup World opener featured NRL-based Brits Burgess, his brother Tom, James Graham, Elliott Whitehead, Josh Hodgson and Gareth Widdop.
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It’s no coincidence England have improved on the world stage now more players are based in the NRL, especially their forwards.
O’Loughlin, now 34, said like Australia, England were rusty last Friday and would naturally improve as the Cup progresses.
The 34-year-old said he had enjoyed the chance to work under mastercoach Wayne Bennett, and while superstar Burgess was not due back until the quarter-finals because of a knee injury, his presence continued to play a vital role.
“I don’t know if Wayne is any different at club level, but he is all about doing the basics well,’’ O’Loughin said.
“He’s come in with his game plans and systems, but the biggest thing I’ve taken from him is doing those basics.
“Ultimately we were disappointed we didn’t get the win on Friday, and both teams were rusty having not played in a few weeks.
“There’s definite belief in this side, and there’s enough ability to go on and do something in this Cup.
“Sam is a class player and if you take him out of any side it will be a loss. But having him around camp, just his presence, having his leadership qualities there, it’s just as important.
“If all goes well, we’ll have him back in the quarters.’’
Mitchell Moses was the star for Lebanon and would love to inspire the Cedars to what would be the biggest boilover yet with victory at Allianz Stadium.
O’Loughlin said another benefit of having so many England players based in Australia was their knowledge of players like Moses and other NRL stars.
O’Loughlin, who has signed for another season — and will weigh up later next year if he will have one final hurrah in 2019 — took time out on Wednesday to visit a windy WIN Stadium to mark 100 days to Wigan’s Super League game against Hull FC. For tickets to the February 10 Super League game, visit Ticketmaster.