Honeymoon period already over, admits Warriors skipper

While St Helens get things back under way this weekend against Catalans Dragons, Wigan must wait until Sunday week to face Wakefield.

And O’Loughlin says it’s been ‘business as usual’ down at Robin Park.

“Obviously there’s been differences in terms of protocols we’ve had to respect, and trying to limit the amount of contact we’ve had,” he said.

“But the training has been by and large the same, it’s been business as usual, and the boys have been glad to be back in.

“Going back to the beginning, when we were initially told we might be missing a couple of weeks, we’re suddenly away for months.

“And I think everyone’s just grateful we’re going to get the opportunity to get back out there on the field and playing in the games again.”

Coming to the end of the second week’s training, the skipper says the mood in the camp has definitely changed.

“I think there was definitely a feeling of excitement in the first week, everyone was just happy to be back,” he said.

“Getting into week two, the body’s definitely a little bit slower, getting back into the work and the training!

“But that buzz will be there even more next week when we can see the game at the end of the week. And that’s what everyone’s missed, to be honest.

“We’ve all had the opportunity to train on our own, and keep fit that way.

"But getting back onto the field, in a game environment, that camaraderie among the boys, that’s what you miss the most.

“It’s not easy to stay motivated, training on your own, without having the others to bounce off. And it’s been great to be back among it again.”