England come back for Sean O’Loughlin
Wigan Warriors Sean O’Loughlin is to make his first England appearance in over a year.
The 29 year old partook in the first England–Exiles game last year, where the Exiles shocked the national side with a late try to win 16-12. From after, O’Loughlin underwent hip surgery last October which saw him miss the Four Nations Series.
The much needed surgery for the loose forward saw him recover in time for Wigan’s pre-season preparations this season where he has gone onto five tries this season for the Warriors.
This was not the first case of bad timing for O’Loughlin, after he was forced to withdraw from the 2008 World Cup squad, as well as the 2009 Four Nations.
O’Loughlin has been a regular for England over the years besides the injury problems and missed the feeling of wearing an England jersey.
He said, “It’s really good to get to put on the England shirt again as I haven’t played since the Exiles game last year. I’m confident of the side we have and I think we can do the job. Disappointed with the result last year but we have got the team to do it.”
The team chosen by England Head Coach Steve McNamara has received criticism from people, saying that Huddersfield Giants Danny Brough should have been included in the 17-man squad.
However, O’Loughlin is fully behind the decisions made by McNamara and upbeat with their chances for the game.
He said, “The team have been picked for playing well, he is possibly trying something different, we will see if it pays off. Steve only wants the best out of all the players and to make sure everyone is in the right frame of mind.”
With the two game series proving a good look in as to who McNamara picks for next year’s Rugby League World Cup, the loose forward knows a big performance is needed by all.
Sean said, “This game is about playing for England and doing what we have done well at for our clubs. We are a quality side with quality players and it is about putting in the performance.
“Going off last year it will be a very tough, we want to be on the end of the right result. These games are about building the team for next year and the year after. Australia are the top side at the moment and we need to try and catch them and beat them.”
England face the Exiles team, which is made up of the Super League’s Australian and New Zealand players, tomorrow night at St Helens Langtree Park with the second game on the 4th July at the Galpharm Stadium.