O’Loughlin cautious over World Cup hopes

Wigan Warriors forward Sean O’Loughlin is still hopeful that he will be fit enough to play for England in the Rugby League World Cup.

The back-rower’s Achilles tendon injury looks likely to keep him out of much of the play-offs, and any optimism he may feel about returning to England colours is tempered by realism.

“I’ve got to keep this boot on for another three weeks, then I go back and see the specialist,” he told Love Rugby League.

“We’ll probably know more then. I’m still hoping to be involved with that [the World Cup].

“It’s probably a little out of my hands. I’m just going to try and get as fit as I can towards the end of the year.

“There’s a lot of very strong competition for places, and it’s not ideal going into that on the back of not playing too much rugby.

“So that’s something that I’ll probably have to have a chat with Steve McNamara about, a bit closer to the time.”

The seasoned campaigner also admits that it is hard to watch his team-mates gearing up for play-off action, when his contribution is limited by injury.

“We had a taste of Wembley a few weeks back, and that was brilliant. Now the play-offs are here, and these are the games you want to be a part of,” he added.

“It’s disappointing not to go and be part of it, for the next few weeks anyway.

“The lads have had a good week building up to this game coming up, and when you see them preparing for these special games, it’s tough to not be part of it.”