I’M SO PROUD
Sean thanks Test backers
SEAN O’LOUGHLIN has praised England’s Australia-based stars for their groundbreaking stand.
Tomorrow’s Test match against New Zealand in the US was at serious risk of being abandoned earlier this year.
Several NRL clubs threatened to refuse to release their England and Kiwi stars for the game in Denver. But England’s NRL contingent, including superstars Sam Burgess and James Graham, refused to buckle. They signed a statement saying they supported the game and skipper O’Loughlin admits he was delighted.
He said: “I am proud of them. For them to make that statement, that was big.
“It was probably a big part of the game going ahead.
Success
“We are trying to expand the game and appeal to a new audience in America.
“We created a lot of interest at the World Cup and this is about building on that momentum.”
The mid-season Test in Colorado is the first of three annual Test matches in America as they build up to staging the 2025 World Cup.
Prop Tom Burgess – one of five NRL stars in the squad – is convinced it will be a success. He said: “Walking around Denver, everyone is interested and wanting to know what is happening.
“It is a good step forward and trying to promote the game out here is awesome. It’s very important for us to drive this.”
O’Loughlin will be keen to go into tomorrow’s game with the boost of a Wigan win tonight – partly to ease his own conscience.
He is one of three England stars missing the rearranged Super League game and hopes it doesn’t cost them against Castleford.
He said: “Wigan have been good and supported us. You do not get too many chances to play for England.”