Why Sean O'Loughlin says there'll be a 'different vibe' at Wigan Warriors during pre-season
Sean O'Loughlin has pinpointed why there will be a 'different vibe' during pre-season as Wigan Warriors put in the hard work ahead of 2026.
The squad has been back at Robin Park for a couple of weeks as they attempt to exorcise the demons of a season that promised so much but saw them end up trophyless.
It's that pain of missing out on honours that O'Loughlin says will be fuelling them over the next few weeks in preparation for next season.
"It's been good to have some time off and freshen up," he said. "There was a little bit of a hangover from the Grand Final, the first couple of weeks, but we've all come back pretty excited for what's ahead.
"The players are coming back in their numbers now, we're still missing a few but it's exciting to get back in.
"Last season was disappointing...and probably because of the standard we've set over the last number of years.
"We're a team that probably now expects to be involved in finals, and when we don't win them, it's disappointing.
"It's something that comes with the territory of being at a club like Wigan...when you're successful, the expectation for you to continue to be successful is there again.
"It's been a tough pill to swallow over pre-season, but we're all looking forward to getting back into it ahead of next year."
O'Loughlin acknowledges the mindset has changed from the last couple of pre-seasons.
"There'll be a different feel for us this time," he said. "For the past few years, we've been attacking pre-season with the aim of maintaining what we've been doing, and trying to remain No.1.
"This year, we're suddenly chasing that...and it's not about massively changing what we've been doing, but it's probably about going after things a little bit harder.
"It's never a necessity to lose games, but the natural journey of any sportsperson has its highs and its lows...and when you lose, sometimes that hunger can be reignited."
He also praised the players for reporting back to Robin Park in great shape to attack the hard work ahead.
"They seem in good spirits, and they've certainly come back in good shape," said O'Loughlin. "You can tell when lads have been working hard before they've come in, and that's expected of them.
"It's no surprise, because they know the toughness of pre-season...if you don't come back in good shape, you're probably chasing it for the first three or four weeks back."