O’Loughlin hungry for cup success
Wigan Warriors captain Sean O’Loughlin says the Engage Super League champions are hungry for Carnegie Challenge Cup success as they head into their fourth round tie against Barrow Raiders on Sunday at the DW Stadium (3.00).
Following a successful 2010 season, when they won the League Leaders’ shield and Engage Super League title, O’Loughlin is eager to add the sport’s oldest item of silverware to the club’s trophy cabinet.
“Winning the Super League Grand Final has given us the belief that we are good enough to win competitions. It was a massive achievement for us as a team and has made us hungry for more success,” he said.
“The Challenge Cup breaks up the season a bit and adds that extra element because it is a knock-out competition. The games are high intensity and it all depends on how you play in the 80 minutes.
“You have to take every round seriously and if you don’t you will get turned over. Barrow will be pumped up and eager to beat a Super League side and we need to be ready for them.”
The England international is the only member of the current Wigan Warriors squad to have experienced a Challenge Cup final back in 2004 when they suffered a 32-16 defeat against local rivals St Helens in Cardiff and he is desperate to lead his home-town club out at Wembley.
“I experienced a Challenge Cup final in my early years at Wigan Warriors,” said O’Loughlin. “It was such a great occasion and I have fond memories from playing in the final at the Millennium Stadium in Wales.
“Even though I had grown up watching the Challenge Cup final played at Wembley Stadium, being a part of a final at the Millennium Stadium was something special.
“The Challenge Cup is a big part of the club’s history and it is always exciting when it is time for a Challenge Cup round. There is always a lot of anticipation and excitement surrounding the competition and fans love the Challenge Cup.
“Due to the club’s past achievements in the Challenge Cup, there is always a bit more incentive for us to regain that glory again for the fans. We would love to get back to Wembley.”
Tickets for the Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round contest between Wigan Warriors and Barrow Raiders at the DW Stadium £15 for Adults and £7 for Juniors (U16) & Concessions (Students and Over 60’s) in all areas of the DW Stadium. Tickets can be purchased from the DW Stadium Ticket Office by calling 0871 66 33 552.Wigan Warriors season ticket holders are eligible for free admission.