O’Loughlin: Leigh derby on level with Saints

Friday’s local derby between Wigan and Leigh is just as special as the St Helens match, according to Warriors captain Sean O’Loughlin.

The teams last met in Super League back in 2005 with the Cherry and Whites recording home and away victories in that season.

“For us it’s up there with the St Helens game,” O’Loughli said.

“Wigan vs Saints derby and Wigan vs Leigh derby are great fixtures not just for the towns but for the sport.”

Wigan might have won all three of their opening matches ahead of the local clash against Leigh but O’Loughlin admitted that means nothing.

“It’s the old cliché but the form book is irrelevant going into derby games and this one’s no different,” he added.

“The wins are nice but Leigh are one from three and I’m sure they’re coming into it with as much confidence as us on the back of that St Helens win.”

O’Loughlin also highlighted the quality of the Centurions squad admitting there are a lot of good players outside of the regular starting 13.

“Looking at the squad with the players they’ve got you can tell they’re a genuine team,” he told Love Rugby League.

“They have some depth in there it’s not just one or two players who run the show for them.

“They have a great starting 13, a strong bench and players beyond that who can come in and do a job.”