Emotions of Shaun Wane leaving can only take us so far, admits Sean O’Loughlin

Drew Darbyshire

Sean O’Loughlin admitted that Wigan can’t afford to only rely on their emotions to win the Grand Final for departing coach Shaun Wane.

The Warriors face local rivals Warrington Wolves in the 2018 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday and win or lose, it will be Wane’s last game in charge after a 30-year association with the club.

Warriors captain O’Loughlin insists his side are determined to send Wane off on a good note – but admitted that they can’t just rely on their emotions for Wane to beat Warrington.

He said: “The club have made a lot of the fact that there are a number of players and staff leaving, and obviously the head coach is a big one in that.

“But we know as players that emotions can only take you so far. It is good to try send him off on a high but ultimately, we know it is what happens on the pitch that counts.

“We used the fact they are leaving when we went into the semi-final as it gets you going before the game – but it is not something that is at the front of your mind when you are playing. It is the decisions you make on the pitch what counts and I think for us, its knowing we have do a job on the pitch and then hopefully we can enjoy all that after it.

“It is about trying to use that emotion in the best way we can but also having that level headedness to take it on the pitch and deliver what needs to be delivered which is the most important.”

The families of O’Loughlin and Wane are very close off the field and O’Loughlin admitted that Wane would be sorely missed next season as he takes up a consultancy role at Scotland Rugby Union.

The England skipper added: “As a head coach, there aren’t many heirs and graces about him.

“He is honest in interviews and speaks to absolutely anybody. He lives in Wigan, he’s always about in Wigan and a lot of people have got their eyes on him all the time.

“He is someone that has played for the club, supports the club and has always tried to do what is best and win things for the club.

“When you work with someone and spend so much time together, you become good mates and I’ll definitely keep speaking to Waney once he has left.”