England skipper Sean O’Loughlin OUT of the World Cup final
Thigh problem has forced the Wigan ace to withdraw from side to face Australia
SEAN O’LOUGHLIN is OUT of England’s Rugby League World Cup final – and it was the captain’s call.
The Wigan ace is believed to be gutted after a thigh problem ruled him out of the showpiece against Australia in Brisbane.
But when the time came to make a call, assistant boss Denis Betts said the 34-year-ols loose forward was the one who decided he could not risk it.
He said: “He’s given himself every chance and worked really hard with our medical team.
“He pushed himself as far as he could, but the final call will probably come down to Lockers.
“He knows his body and whether he’s ready to play in this kind of game.
“It would have been the easiest thing to do, to bite down on his gumshield and get on to the field but he’s made a really brave call that he’s not right.”
Ben Currie comes into the starting line-up with Jonny Lomax coming on to the interchange bench.
Sam Burgess will captain England in their first final for 22 years and will move from the second row to loose forward.
But Betts is adamant that it has not meant boss Wayne Bennett has had to tear up all his plans.
He added: “Sam led the side last year in the Four Nations - he’s a do-er, a leader and captain of his club.
“It’s always been a natural progression that if something happened to Lockers he would take that role.
“It’s unfortunate and Sean would be the first to say he wishes he was playing, but we move on and get on with it.”
