LUKE ROBINSON feels it will be ‘an honour and privilege’ to be part of Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin’s testimonial match at the DW Stadium tonight (8.00).
But he knows helping the Giants produce a polished pre-season performance is the most important part of his club’s second trial game ahead of next month’s start to Super League XVII.
The 27-year-old Huddersfield hooker came through the ranks with O’Loughlin at Wigan and they remain close friends.
“I’ve known Lockers since I was 13, when I first signed at Wigan,” said Robinson, who left the club in 2004 and had spells at Castleford and Salford before joining the Giants in 2008.
“It’s going to be a real honour and a privilege to be part of what is such a special game for Lockers.
“But that doesn’t mean I want it to go well for him on the field!
“As much as I like Lockers and regard him as a good friend, the main thing for us is moving on from what we did at Castleford (the Giants were beaten 32-22).
“There were signs during that game that we were starting to adapt to the different style of rugby we’ll be playing this season, but it was clear for all to see there’s a lot more work to do to try and get it right. That’s why this game tonight is so important.”
Although back-row forward Dale Ferguson plays his first game after undergoing shoulder surgery, Joe Wardle (hip) and Kevin Brown (appendix) have just missed out. New prop Tony Tonks continues to serve a suspension.
Also out are David Fa’alogo (back), David Faiumu (shoulder), Michael Lawrence (wrist), Aaron Murphy (wrist), Luke O’Donnell (knee) and Larne Patrick (wrist).
