Wednesday 7 October 2015 13:41, UK
Wigan Warriors captain Sean O’Loughlin insists they will be fit and raring to go when they take on Leeds Rhinos in Saturday’s Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.
Warriors defeated Huddersfield Giants 32-8 on Thursday to secure their place in the final, where they will take on the side that edged them out on points-difference for the League Leaders' Shield.
But O'Loughlin has backed them to put in a spirited performance in Manchester, despite a physically tough game against the Giants.
"We've had a tough run-in but some results have gone our way and now we are here," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"It was a tough, physical game even though it didn't go down to the wire like the Leeds and St Helens game [won 20-13 by Leeds].
"There are still a lot of battered bodies out there so we have focused on recovery this week but the excitement of having to chance to come here on Saturday and get a win shakes any of the bumps and bruises off."
Ben Flower returns to the scene of his ignominious exit in last year's Grand Final, where he was sent off just two minutes into their defeat to St Helens after twice punching Lance Hohaia.
O'Loughlin feels he has paid his dues though, with Flower scoring the opening try in the win over Huddersfield and turning in a number of key performances over the season.
"Straight from the off we knew how disappointed Ben was with what happened but credit to him, he just got on with his rugby and proved just how disappointed he was with how he performed," added O'Loughlin.
"He got the first try in the semi-final and he will hopefully be doing another good job for us on Saturday."
Leeds may be many people's favourites to lift the trophy on Saturday night but O'Loughlin insists it is impossible to pick a winner.
"With Leeds' form up until the Challenge Cup, they were probably the best before they had a blip, but they are starting to get their form back," he said.
"When you get to this point in the season and you get to the Grand Final, the form book definitely goes out of the window."
Watch the Grand Final between Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors on Saturday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD at 5pm.
