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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jamie Peacock

Wigan's Sean O'Loughlin's skill, vision and toughness marked him out and he's a worthy OBE

It’s great to see Sean O’Loughlin, one of the modern-day great players, get recognised with an OBE.

In rugby league, we always have a chip on our shoulders - rightly or wrongly - about recognition from outside the sport. This recognition is thoroughly deserved. Lockers is joining a growing band of former players under the age of 50 who’ve 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 worth so much to Wigan; if Lockers played, I always felt he was worth six to 12 points for them.

You’d look on the teamsheet to see if Lockers was missing and if he was you knew you’d 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 ‘04 and was part of the last Great Britain side to beat the Australians in ‘06. He’d a great international career as well as a magnificent domestic one.

It also looks like he’ll be part of Wigan success going forward helping them win the Challenge Cup as assistant coach last week. But an OBE is an outstanding achievement.

BETFRED - PASSIONATE ABOUT SUPER LEAGUE

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