O’Loughlin is royally deserving of his OBE
IT is great to see Sean O’Loughlin, one of the modern-day great players, being recognised with the award of an OBE.
In rugby league, we have a chip on our shoulders – rightly or wrongly – about recognition from outside the sport. This recognition is thoroughly deserved.
Lockers (above) is joining a growing band of former players under the age of 50 who have managed to earn the recognition of the Royal Family with such an honour.
I played with him, for England and Great Britain, and against him in Super League.
Lockers had the skills and vision of a half-back and the toughness and engine of a front-rower. Few players have that combination.
He was such an asset to Wigan; if Lockers played, I always felt he was worth six to 12 points for them.
You would look on the teamsheet to see if Lockers was missing. If he was you knew you had more than a fair chance of having a good game. And the odds were more in your favour of winning.
He was extremely competitive and played the game right on the limit.
He’s a Super League great but if he’d ever decided to go to Australia, I’m sure he’d have made it there, too.
Lockers was a great England captain.
Having also worked with him when I was team manager, he said the right things when they needed to be said but he led by actions.
I remember he first started playing at Test level in 2004 and was part of the last Great Britain side to beat Australia in 2006.
He had a great international career as well as a magnificent domestic one.
It also looks like he’ll be part of Wigan’s success going forward having helped them win the Challenge Cup as assistant coach last week.
But an OBE is an outstanding achievement.