O’Loughlin and Bowen boost for Wigan

Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin and full-back Matt Bowen are back in Shaun Wane’s squad for Thursday night’s televised clash against Huddersfield.

O’Loughlin, 31, has been limited to just six appearances this season, the last of which coming in the Easter Monday victory of Bradford.

His return, coupled with that of Bowen, brings some relief to Wane, although they have been replaced in the treatment room by Michael McIlorum (knee) and Dan Sarginson (rib), who suffered injuries in the win at Salford last week.

Wane said: “It looks like Lockers will be the only one returning from (long term) injury but he’s a major one for me so I’m happy with that.

“Sean and some of the other experienced players have played well for me for years and I’m looking forward to getting them back so I can give some of the young kids a rest soon.”

Wigan 19-man squad v Huddersfield: Bateman, Bowen, Burgess, Burke, Crosby, Dudson, C Farrell, Gelling, Goulding, Hampshire, Hughes, James, Manfredi, O’Loughlin, Powell, Smith, Sutton, Taylor, Williams.