SEAN O’LOUGHLIN believes video analysis plays a crucial role in sports coaching – but he says it’s not the be-all and end-all for Wigan.
The former Warriors, England and Great Britain forward joined the club’s backroom team after hanging up his boots in 2020.
And as an assistant to Matt Peet, the 42-year-old has played a key role in the Super League title triumphs of the last two seasons.
Wigan suffered an opening-night setback this time around when they went down to a dramatic 1-0 golden-point defeat at home to neighbours Leigh.
The Leopards were led to success by Adrian Lam, O’Loughlin’s former team-mate and the Warriors’ team chief when he switched to the coaching staff.
The match will have been reviewed, with footage of Friday’s hosts Hull also being studied.
Like many clubs, Wigan also film training sessions, and O’Loughlin explained: “We’ve got the technology, so why wouldn’t we use it?
“Rugby has always been at the forefront with analysis, match reviews and giving feedback.
“I remember the days as a player when we’d look at videos of matches, with the coach rewinding or fast-forwarding to find a particular incident.
“Now it’s a lot easier, with different camera angles, and quicker, because we can package up bits of film, which the lads can watch on their mobiles.
“It’s important and it’s a great tool, but it has to be used the right way and at the right times.
“Some players will sit and look at stuff all day, others need far shorter spells, and you have to get to know who benefits from what.”
Wigan didn’t lose until league game number five last year, but were defeated in round one in 2023.
Peet’s side went down 27-18 at Hull KR that year, but of course bounced back to win the League Leaders’ Shield and then the Grand Final.
Looking back at Thursday’s game, Peet said: “Leigh earned their win and fair play to them. It was a great standard (of match) to start the season.”