John Bateman is relishing the challenge of filling Wigan Warriors legend Sean O’Loughlin’s boots at loose forward this season.O’Loughlin made his Wigan debut alongside current Warriors head coach, Adrian Lam, in 2002 and captained his hometown club from 2006 until his retirement at the end of last season.Defeat in the Super League Grand Final against bitter rivals St Helens marked a devastating end to O’Loughlin’s remarkable playing career but he has now joined Lam’s coaching team.His place in the Wigan side will be filled by England star Bateman, who has returned to the DW Stadium on a marquee contract after two seasons in the NRL at Canberra Raiders.Bateman has inherited O’Loughlin’s number 13 jersey, suggesting he will be deployed at.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk