Wigan Warriors in 'process' of choosing new captain

Coach Adrian Lam says it is an ongoing process as they weigh up who will get the honour of being skipper this season – and beyond.

“It’s an important position for the future of the club,” said former Queensland State of Origin captain Lam (below).

“It’s a process that the club is going through at the moment to make sure we come up with the right person – but there are no shortage of leaders.”

He had previously mentioned two, Liam Farrell and Thomas Leuluai, as potential candidates to replace O’Loughlin, who retired from playing at the end of last season to join the club’s coaching staff.

Returning back-rower John Bateman and hooker Sam Powell are also seen as leaders in the team as they step up their preparations for the new campaign, which begins with a televised opener against Super League newcomers Leigh Centurions at Leeds on March 26.

Aside from in 2005, Wigan fans have been used to having long-term captains.

O’Loughlin was appointed captain by Ian Millward in 2006 and, before that, Andy Farrell had the role for a long spell until his exit in early 2005.