O’Loughlin expects new deal to be agreed soon

[josie andrews]

Sean O’Loughlin expects his playing future to be secured “sooner rather than later” after reaffirming his intention to play on in 2018.

The Wigan captain’s contract expires at the end of this season, with an agreement in place for him to join the coaching staff once he hangs up his boots.

But the 34-year-old, set to lead England at the World Cup later this year, is not ready to switch roles yet.

He said: “I’m still looking to carry on.

“I don’t feel like I’m ready to hang the boots up yet, I feel there’s at least another year in me.

“I’ve no intentions of moving on but I’ve not sorted anything as of yet.”

O’Loughlin is the only senior player out of contract at the end of the season.

Fringe forwards Connor Farrell and Kyle Shelford are expected to move on.

“This is where I want to be next year – I’m sure it’ll get sorted sooner rather than later,” said O’Loughlin, two games away from reaching 400 appearances for his hometown club.

Warriors have already handed longer deals to Liam Farrell, George Williams, Liam Marshall, Tom Davies and Morgan Escare. It is understood they have taken out an option on Willie Isa’s deal for 2018, though there has been no confirmation.

Rugby director Kris Radlinski has spent a few days in Australia though it is understood the trip was not to make a mid-season recruit, like last year’s signing of Frank-Paul Nuuausala, at this stage of the season.

Shaun Wane has already ruled out making any mid-season additions before the signing deadline later this month, and doesn’t expect any major changes for 2018.

They have been linked with Widnes prop Alex Gerrard, but it is understood a move is unlikely.

http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby-l ... -1-8632006

[ian.birchall]

No major changes for 2018 then. Doesn't sound encouraging on the centre/goal kicker/half back front.

[AdamMac]

we've got a fantastic squad. The best in the league.

I'll be more than happy if we can keep them all together.

Surely we won't be busted all season next season...

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

We need Lockers to go around again. When he is fit he is as good as any forward in SL. To be fair, I think that Waney has done a good job in managing his game time.

[Wiganer Ted]

Glad he's going to p;lay in 2018, they are a different team when lockers is out there.
How he's going to be replaced and by whom is anyone's guess.

[southportcdm]

We've had enough warning about the problem of replacing Sean. It's about time we sorted something out given the number of games he's missed over the past few years. Perhaps we need to accept that we can't replace him with a similar player (he's a special player) so we need to develop another style when he's missing. It really is becoming a major problem and out inability to solve it over the past two or three years smacks of poor planning/implementation.

[Nezza Faz]

Simple, Bateman. Start readying him for the position now, when Lockers sits games out.

[moto748]

Simple, Bateman. Start readying him for the position now, when Lockers sits games out.

Well, that presupposes Bateman will be here for the long haul...

[fozzieskem]

Simple truth is without him the "best squad in the league" dont half look average,his influence is so great and at this point while he can still play the game very well its his huge influence that Wigan need to to wean themselves off,though how im not sure.

Bateman,in that regard isnt the answer.

I would add as well for me there should always be at least one signing per close season,one it adds a little interest for fans as season ticket renwal time approaches and two it freshens the squad,and all squads need a spruce every now and again.

[Wigan_forever1985]

replacing lockers will boil down to how you want to use the 13 position. Someteams use it as an extra prop, some as an extra 2nd row some as an extra halfback.

Knowing what we know about Wane and his complete lack of imagination about anything attack my guess is we are going to use it as another forward, so i expect ISA or a similar player to take that role. I dont expect us to sign nor try and makeshift a ball playing 13 while Wane is still here.

Lockers is a freak and there are very very few players who can do what he can do.

The only other option i can see is potentially maybe a union raid? if you could pick a inside centre or 10 up from a good union team and they are young enough to mould that might be an option, usually they are about the right build for a 13, maybe from super 14 or whatever its called where the pace is pretty fast