Smith hopeful of O'Loughlin return

SeanO'Loughlin

The Wigan Warriors loose forward missed the first game of the competition against Samoa last weekend due to a quad injury sustained in the Grand Final defeat against St Helens.

O'Loughlin has trained this week ahead of the crunch clash with the Wallabies and Smith, who is fit despite suffering an ankle injury in the 32-26 win over Samoa, is optimistic he will line up alongside his Wigan team-mate.

Smith told BBC Radio Manchester: "He's confident, he's trained well this week. He's our captain and he's an important player for us. We want him out there on the field.

"Having him back, plus the likes of James Graham with Sam and Joel Tomkins playing in that middle - it's a pretty big pack.

"Hopefully Sean can lead us out on Sunday."

Australia were beaten  30-12 by New Zealand in their opening game of the tournament.

Author(s)