Shaun Wane singled-out skipper Sean O’Loughlin as his star man after Wigan Warriors squeezed past Castleford Tigers to climb into second in the Super League.
Wane’s Warriors were cruising five minutes into the second half with tries from Ben Flower, Pat Richards and Chris Tuson putting them 22-4 ahead, before Castleford muscled their way back to level the scores with eight minutes to go.
But O’Loughlin finished his tireless shift by providing Tuson with his second try to win the game and Wane was full of praise for O’Loughlin, paying tribute to his work ethic.
”He is a dream to coach,” said Wane.
“He’s an outstanding individual in how he lives his life, he’s a real good pro. These last few weeks I’ve been into him about his game and he takes it on board and to come up like that is just typical Lockers.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him – he’s quality.”
A brace from Justin Carney and a Jamie Ellis try brought the Tigers level after Jake Webster opened the home side’s account in the 37th minute.
Despite toughing it out earning the win, Wane warned Wigan will need to get better to keep the heat on league leaders Huddersfield Giants.
“I thought we played well in parts,” said Wane. “I thought we just weren’t consistent enough.
“In the second half, penalties, poor errors and poor skill put us under pressure.
“I’m glad we showed some steel in finishing it off, I’m glad for the win. I’m not over the moon though.”
The Wigan coach was expecting Castleford to ask questions of his side in intimidating surroundings and was happy with how his young pack took to the task.
“It happens, you come to small grounds like this and it’s tough,” he said.
“It’s always tough here and you need your front rowers. If you end up with three front rowers then that’s the way it is – you deal with it. I thought our front rowers were good.”
Image courtesy of Super League TV, via YouTube, with thanks.
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