Our Bureau Of Meteorology are predicting possible light showers in the morning - 21-29 degrees. Should be a good evening for footy.

I just don't get the SOL thing. I think we look so much better when he isn't on - totally over rated imo

Please Somebody tell me they can show the stats showing tries scored, tries conceded when SOL has been on/off the field.

I'll back anyone's right to an opinion on players and if they should/shouldn't be selected however surely we have looked far better when he's been on?
I'd be confident the Stats will back that up?

PS
Get's nothing but praise from every coach/Top Player he's played for/with - The pundits last week and previously rated his contribution and influence to the teams he plays in alongside that of Cameron Smith/Thurston etc.
From my experience of watching him for the last 15 years at Wigan I can tell you he is without doubt The biggest Key to our success, obviously that is slightly diluted when you go up a level as the players around him should and often are of a higher calibre but I bet he's a similar influence.
I could give you many examples of Opposition coaches glowing praise of SOL (including 2 direct conversations with SL coaches) who have all highlighted his contribution as Key (And I believe there was a recent story where Ian Leneghan received a Text from Nathan Brown when he was negotiating SOL's New contract with Wigan where Nathan Brown described him as the Best British Player he'd come across or words to that effect?)

Anyway, what I will say is that if he isn't fit he shouldn't play - but if he is his on field presence and abilities will be one of the Keys to any potential victory Saturday IMO.
I once quoted to a Leeds Fan circa 2005/2006 that you only understand the value of players like Sinfield (Like we had gone through with Farell a few seasons earlier) when you've lost them.
I believe O'Loughlin is as Valuable and equal to the other 2 IMO and certainly at Wigan he will be one of the biggest losses we will have ever had to move on from.

Reminiscent of Melbourne 92 & Ettinghausen grovelling around in the mud behind the sticks.

Are you his agent? - I don't rate him, never have Aussies dominate him in every game - my opinion, get over it.

In response to the question posed in the thread title: No.

No they dont. Anyone can see we are much better team and far better organised with him on the field.

Regards

King James

Did you watch the NZ series in 2015 that we won?

SOL was our MVP it was pretty obvious. If you can't understand or appreciate what a good player he is then perhaps you ought to take a closer look

I'm not saying his form has been that great throughout the WC but he'll be a huge loss if out injured

Yes, still don't rate him, never have never will.

Loved that game I was their and was one of the fans doing the conga to all ways look on the Brightside of life lovely game Hope the same happing's tomorrow then when my time comes I can die happy

A lot of people far more experienced and knowledgeable about the game than you and I obviously do - Get over it

Widdop won a GF with Melbourne in 2012.

The problem is the halves, Gale may have been to a GF but he has never played in one.

I don't need to get over anything but you clearly do - if SOL fuels floats your boat so be it, I still think he's overrated and won't be missed

Got a few replies with his Lockers fishing has Vast(space in his head)man. I like to think he truly believes O'Loughlin is poor because then that really does show his opinion to be worthless.

England have fallen in to a pattern in this tournament that Wigan have been dreadful for in the past few years. When O'Loughlin is on we're better organised, our shape is better and the timing of our plays is better but when he goes off there is a noticeable drop off in performance.

I sincerely hope he's fit because more then anything he deserves it but if he's not that really hurts us. We were abysmal and a bit of a rabble with Sam Burgess there last year (that's nothing against Burgess, it's just not his game).