'No regrets for retiring Warriors skipper

Wigan skipper Sean O'Loughlin summed up his final game in rugby league with typical class after being robbed of the fairytale finish by St Helens.
Jack Welsby - a former Shevington Sharks junior - kicks off the St Helens celebrationsJack Welsby - a former Shevington Sharks junior - kicks off the St Helens celebrations
Jack Welsby - a former Shevington Sharks junior - kicks off the St Helens celebrations

O'Loughlin called time on his magnificent 19-year career with a last-second defeat to old enemy in the Grand Final at Hull, with Jack Welsby's try on the hooter proving decisive.

But he maintained his class and dignity right to the end.

"You can't put it into words," he said. "It's disappointing, it's difficult, but that's sport, that's the game.

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"I thought both teams left it all out there, it was an unbelievable game.

"It's going to be a quiet dressing room, the boys will all be so upset.

"But there's nothing we can do about it now, it's done.

"We don't have any regrets though, we left it all out there.

"Sometimes that happens..."

On saying goodbye after a trophy-laden career, he acknowledged: "It's going to hurt a lot, a lot.

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"Just seeing how upset the boys are...I know they wanted to win even more with it being my last game.

"I feel for them as much as I do for myself. But the lads will dust themselves off and come back even stronger.

"I think we've been awesome this year as a team, and the support we've had from the fans - even though they've not been here - has been fantastic.

"They'd all have wanted to be here so much, and I just want to thank each and every one of them so much.

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"I'd also like to thank both teams - my team, and the Saints team - and my family...they've been my rock over the years."

Speaking to Sky Sports, he also recognised the effort from everyone connected to the sport to complete a season ravaged by Covid-19.

"Our heads are all over the place at the moment, but that's the way it is," he added.

"I'm also proud that we've been able to put a showcase of our sport on over the last few months when a lot of people haven't been able to get out and do stuff."

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