Shaun Wane hails Sean O'Loughlin after Wigan Warriors fight back at Catalans

Warriors trailed 21-0 early in the second-half before turning the game on its head to score six tries and win 32-23.

O’Loughlin played a starring role in the comeback, moving from prop to stand-off when George Williams left the action because of a migraine.

“I’m very, very, very proud. It was a great performance in the second half,” said Wane.

“We gave ourselves a lot to do but we turned up in the second-half with some individual performances, and found a way to win.

“It was a shockingly bad half-time. I think they started off better than us, we gave silly penalties away, our completion rate was 69 per cent.

“I am the ultimate optimist so I never, ever think it can’t be done, especially with this bunch, they’ll always turn up.

“But to overcome 23 points is a good effort - I’m really, really pleased.”

He had particular praise for O’Loughlin, 35, who produced a commanding performance after trailing 15-0 at the break.

“I’m really, really proud of what Lockers did,” he said. “He showed to today that he’s the best, he is the best. And all the praise he gets from NRL players, it’s bang on. He’s a rugby player. He’s a winner.”

The win keeps Wigan in second spot, level with Warrington, who both trail leaders St Helens by four points.

Wane’s outfit, who flew to the France on the morning of the game, travel to fourth-placed Leeds in their next game