Lockers back for test Down Under

WIGAN captain Sean O’Loughlin will be fit to lead his side out against Hull in Australia on Saturday morning in the historic first Betfred Super League fixture to be held outside of Europe.

The match, at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong, will be O’Loughlin’s first competitive action since the World Cup semi-final victory over Tonga in November. He was rested for the Warriors’ victory over Salford last week as a precaution, but he and winger Joe Burgess – who also missed out against the Red Devils – are in line to start against Challenge Cup holders Hull.

“Everybody has trained today, so I’ve got a full squad to pick from,” revealed coach Shaun Wane.

”I’ve got three good wingers and I’ll pick the two I’m most comfortable with. Lockers coming back means a middle will have to miss out.”

While the two clubs have been tasked with adequately representing Super League while Down Under, Wane insists his key motivation is avenging the defeat to Sydney Roosters in the 2014 World Club Challenge.

“My driving force is the last time we were here playing against the Roosters (in 2014) we were poor and undersold ourselves. I want people to see Wigan back at their best.”

In addition to the repeat of the 2017 Challenge Cup final, the Warriors will also take on South Sydney Rabbitohs a week on Sunday – a match in which Wane says backrower John Bateman will return.