Sean O’Loughlin doubtful for World Club Series clash with Brisbane

Wigan coach Shaun Wane has revealed that club skipper Sean O’Loughlin is an injury doubt for this week’s World Club Series clash with Brisbane Broncos.

Wane has said that the talismanic loose forward is “struggling” to be fit for the game on Saturday at the DW Stadium.

O’Loughlin suffered a knee injury in last Friday’s win over Huddersfield Giants, and Wane will not risk the England international if he is not right.

O’Loughlin’s absence in the back row could be mitigated, at least in part, by Dan Sarginson‘s return to the threequarter line, however.

“If he’s 100 per cent fit, I’ll play him,” Wane told reporters.

“Dan’s naturally fit so I’m very, very chilled with him. If he’s good to go – and I think he will be – then he’ll be playing.

“It also means we can put Joel Tomkins in the back row if we do lose ‘Lockers’ (O’Loughlin).”

Joel Tomkins is one player who Wane feels is in great form currently.

“He’s doing well,” Wane said, following last week’s win over Huddersfield.

“He can play, can Joel, he’s an athlete. He wants to win really badly, so I’m really pleased with the way he’s going.

“He’s playing out of position, so I appreciate what he’s doing.

“He’s more than a handful for any centre who he plays against.”

Wigan could also be without half-back Sam Powell for the game against Brisbane. The youngster is awaiting the outcome of his charge for making a Grade B dangerous tackle on Huddersfield’s Eorl Crabtree, and he could be suspended.

“He did something out of the ordinary. His technique is fantastic for a young man,” said Wane.

““The fact that the player he tackled was 25 kilos heavier than him, he had to find a way to tackle him and he found the wrong way.

“We’ll deal with it whatever they say.”