England captain Sean O'Loughlin doubtful for Four Nations
Wednesday 14 September 2016 15:26, UK
Wigan coach Shaun Wane has cast doubt on whether England captain Sean O'Loughlin will play in the upcoming Four Nations Series.
The 33-year-old Warriors captain, who has missed his club's last four games with a hamstring problem that will force him to sit out Friday's Super 8s top-four clash at Warrington, is expected back before the end of the season.
Wane is unsure whether he will be available to lead England in the autumn, however, and confirmed he will hold talks with club chairman Ian Lenagan, rugby director Kris Radlinski and O'Loughlin himself before making a decision.
"We'll have a chat with him in the next week or so about how we take it forward," Wane told Wigan Today.
"That's a joint decision between Ian, Kris, myself and Sean.
"I love the international game, but the most important thing for me is this club."
O'Loughlin led England to a 2-1 series triumph over New Zealand last autumn and was subsequently confirmed as captain by new coach Wayne Bennett when he was appointed to the post in February.
If forward O'Loughlin is not available for the matches against New Zealand, Australia and Scotland, Bennett has a couple of experienced alternatives to fill the role.
St Helens prop James Graham, who has led England in the past and is currently captain of Canterbury Bulldogs, would be a strong candidate, as would South Sydney forward Sam Burgess.
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Burgess, who missed the New Zealand Test series after switching to rugby union, will sit out England's international against France in Avignon on October 22, a week before their opening Four Nations game against the Kiwis, through suspension.
