O'Loughlin cleared for semi-final
O'Loughlin took over the Wigan captaincy after Andy Farrell's departure for union
Monday, 24, Sep 2007 10:22
Wigan Warriors captain Sean O'Loughlin is available for selection for his side's Super League elimination semi-final meeting with Hull at the KC Stadium on Saturday.
The Great Britain loose forward was placed on report after an alleged high tackle during his side's 31-30 comeback win over Bradford on Friday.
The incident occurred as Brian Noble's men appeared to be sinking to a dismal defeat at 30-6 down but O'Loughlin escaped a red card and helped rally his team-mates to a dramatic win over their rivals.
"We always believed we could get back into the game. I think them scoring the first try in the second half was a blow for us but we did well to keep our heads up and keep in the game and it paid off in the last 15 minutes," O'Loughlin said after the win.
However the 24-year-old's celebrations were cut short as he was called to the attention of the Rugby Football League's video panel, but it was ultimately decided he had no case to answer.
Should the Warriors overturn last year's grand finalists on Friday, O'Loughlin will lead his team out in a final eliminator against either Leeds or St Helens for a place in this year's Old Trafford showpiece.
Hull have injury worries over forwards Paul King and Willie Manu as they look to continue their play-off run off the back of a 22-16 win over Huddersfield at the weekend.