Fresh O’Loughlin expecting more qualty from Wigan

Wigan loose forward Sean O’Loughlin is feeling fit and fresh after a enjoying a longer off season than usual.

O’Loughlin missed out on England‘s Four Nations campaign after struggling with injury for much of the season.

This allowed him to do more conditioning work, which he believes will keep him fit for the long season ahead.

“Obviously not being with England has meant a bit longer off in the off season,” he told Love Rugby League.

“It gives you a chance to rest up and get some quality stuff done in the gym, not just your usual running and weights.

“Some stuff that will hopefully stand me in good stead for the season.”

O’Loughlin believes that the injuries suffered by the Wigan squad last season will also stand the Super League champions in good stead in 2017.

The Warriors were compelled to call on youngsters on many occasions in 2016, and O’Loughlin believes the experience has improved those players, in many cases putting them a year ahead of schedule in the development.

“We had a great start to the season, then kind of a slump,” he said.

“Then we picked ourselves up towards the end, and managed to get our hands on a trophy.

“Even though we had a slump in the season, we managed to pick up some wins as well, and that put us in that good position.

“I think what we take from that is that so many kids played last year, and we’ve got all of them to call on now.

“That gives us that added quality and depth, which is what you need to survive a season.”