O’Loughlin: Unprecedented times

• Assistant coach Sean O’Loughlin gives an insight into how the Wigan players are dealing with the current short turnarounds in between games.
• O’Loughlin: “What they are putting their bodies through at the minute is different to what anyone has ever done.”
• Wigan are the only team to play all 18 games in the Betfred Super League this year.

Sean O’Loughlin says it is ‘unheard of’ and ‘unprecedented’ what the Wigan Warriors players have been doing in recent weeks.

What O’Loughlin is referring to is the amount of games Wigan have played in the past month and the short turnarounds between each one.

After last week’s win over Salford, the Warriors played six games in 34 days, with another four still to come this month, including Friday’s encounter against Hull KR.

Within those 34 days, Wigan played four games in 15 days (against Wakefield, Warrington, Leigh and Salford) and the former Wigan captain has praised the players for how they have dealt with the situation.

“Credit to the lads and the way they’ve applied themselves,” he said. “I can’t think of a game where we haven’t had the effort. It’s always there.”

And while the heavy load has been tasking physically, the Warriors assistant coach explained the other areas in which it can be tasking.

“It’s not always about going on the pitch and getting loads of reps in or doing loads of K’s (kilometres) – it’s about coming in fresh, sitting down and watching video and processing things in your head as much as being on the field and coming in and being enthusiastic about the next game.

“I can’t fault anyone here – the boys have done all of that and it’s been really good.” 

Having enjoyed a career of 19 years, the former Wigan skipper knows better than anyone what it takes to physically prepare and recover week-to-week.

“Recovery is the main challenge, especially in the latter of my career for me. It takes longer as you get on. It’s about doing everything you can to get back on the field.

“It’s about physically trying to get the most amount of recovery you can get and also trying to mentally refresh yourself and get ready for the next game.” 

Relating his experiences to this season, he said: “It’s probably even tougher at the minute. We’ve not had a game as short as the Easter period, but it’s the number of short turnarounds we have had this year. We are doubling up.

“The boys and staff fully understand the necessity of it and why we have to do it, but it doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. What they are putting their bodies through at the minute is different to what anyone has ever done. It’s unprecedented.

“I know in the 80s and 90s a lot more rugby was played but the intensity of the game has built up so much and to be doing what the lads are doing now is unheard of – during my time of playing.”

Due to other teams being effected by Covid-19 and games being postponed, some sides have not had to play for a number of weeks.

For Wigan though it is a different story, having played the most and all 18 games out of all 12 teams in the Betfred Super League so far this year.

“Especially at the minute with teams missing games through Covid it gives them two weeks break. We’ve not had that and we’re not looking for that. It’s great that we’ve not had to deal with that, but it’s definitely aiding some other teams that we are coming up against.”

The short turnarounds between games mean the Warriors must focus less time on the training field and more in recovery.

Explaining the process, O’Loughlin said: “It’s what you can physically do to recover – doing your ice baths, eating well and getting sleep. They are the three main things from a physical side of things.

“The other is mentally – trying to switch off from rugby when you are away from it, getting your family time in and staying fresh. I always felt if you had been thinking about rugby all your time away from the Club, you’re not ready to go at it again when you come back in.

“Even if it is just one day off – which is what the lads are getting at the minute in between games – it’s about trying to do something away from rugby and come back in fresh the day after, so you’re ready to go and ready to tackle it again.” 

Tickets for Wigan’s Betfred Super League Rivals Round clash against St Helens are now on sale! 

The biggest derby in Rugby League will take place on Friday 20th August at the DW Stadium. Don’t miss out and get your tickets now! Buy online by clicking HERE or call the DW Stadium Ticket Office on 01942 311111 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri).