O’Loughlin previews Wakefield
- Assistant coaches Sean O’Loughlin and Tommy Leuluai will take charge of tonight’s pre-season friendly against Wakefield Trinity.
- O’Loughlin: “It’s a great experience to have the reigns handed over to us and to head up a gameday, but it also gives Matty the opportunity to sit back and watch the game more clearly.”
- Watch the full interview with O’Loughlin, as well as the match live on Wigan TV HERE.
Assistant coach Sean O’Loughlin has previewed tonight’s friendly against Wakefield Trinity as he prepares to take charge of the Warriors alongside Tommy Leuluai.
O’Loughlin and Leuluai will take charge of the Warriors at Belle Vue to provide Matt Peet with an important opportunity to focus on the squad from the stands.
Speaking on his role tonight, O’Loughlin said: “It’s a great experience to have the reigns handed over to us and to head up a gameday, but it also gives Matty the opportunity to sit back and watch the game more clearly.
“Matty will be able to see who impresses without having his coaches hat on, whilst ultimately it’s an opportunity for Tommy and myself to learn.”
The Warriors have named a strong 22-man squad to face Wakefield in the second of three pre-season friendlies ahead of the 2024 season, which consists of a mix of First Team and Reserves players.
Six of the Club’s new signings have been named in the squad alongside a number of Warriors who featured in the Super League and Reserves Grand Final successes.
Speaking on the mix of the squad, O’Loughlin said: “There will be some new faces from the senior end as well as new faces from the raw end of the squad. Fans want to see big signings coming in as well as younger kids coming through and getting chances so it will be great to see both ends.”
The Warriors have also named seven teenagers in the squad, which includes 17-year-old George O’Loughlin who scored seven tries in 13 appearances for the Academy last season.
Praising the youth system at the Warriors, O’Loughlin said: “It’s something the Club has always been well known for and is something Matty values a lot. Our youth staff pride themselves on making sure that when the younger lads get the opportunities that they’re ready to take them.”
Reflecting on the current stage of pre-season, O’Loughlin said: “This time of the year is exciting when you’ve done all the hard work and the games start to come. There is a good excitement there with the lads who are ready for the game and keen to get some minutes under their belts.”
Watch the full interview with Sean O’Loughlin on Wigan TV HERE.
Our pre-season friendly against Wakefield Trinity will be live on Wigan TV. A monthly subscription subscription will give you the live stream of the game plus a full month’s access to our fantastic Warriors match archive for just £5.99. Sign up HERE.
