ENGLAND captain Sean O’Loughlin has praised coach Steve McNamara for the work he’s done ahead of what could be his final game in charge of the national side this weekend.
Following the Kiwis’ 9-2 win in London on Saturday, the series will be settled in Wigan this Saturday. McNamara is out of contract at the end of this series and could therefore coach his country for the last time at the DW Stadium.
But O’Loughlin insists that the impact McNamara has had on the national team has been impressive.
“What Steve has done during his time with England has been massive,” said O’Loughlin.
“The professionalism he and the rest of the staff have brought to the England set-up has been huge.
“That showed in those few years building towards the World Cup and how well the World Cup went down – we didn’t get a trophy, but I thought it was hugely successful for Rugby League in this country.
“We’re desperate for a win on Saturday but I think what Steve has done, whether we get a win or not, has been fantastic.”
When asked if he felt McNamara’s job was on the line depending on Saturday’s result, he said: “I don’t know if it comes down to that.”
O’Loughlin admits it would have been ideal to tie up the series at the Olympic Stadium, but is excited to get the opportunity to put that right in front of a hometown crowd in Wigan at a sold out DW Stadium.
“I’m looking forward to it on Saturday; playing the game at Wigan, hopefully captaining the side again and being involved in a win and hopefully a series win. “It’s huge. We wanted to get it wrapped up this week but it wasn’t to be and we know we’ve got another chance this week.
“From my point of view, I can’t wait to go back to Wigan. I’m looking forward to it massively.”