SEAN O’Loughlin believes Wigan Warriors’ battle in the rain mud with Barrow Raiders will serve as good preparation for the new Super League season.

The Warriors drew 18-18 with the Raiders at Craven Park on a testing day for both teams last Saturday.

Wigan captain O’Loughlin, who was on co-commentary duty for the club’s online TV channel, is in no doubt it will serve them well.

“Defensively, both sides tackled hard and defended well, and although the game was probably a bit slower than they’re used to you’ve still got to defend and in conditions like that, it makes it a bit more physical at times,” said O’Loughlin.

“You want those tough, physical games and we definitely got one of those. The results don’t matter, but it’s about prepping yourselves for the start of the season.

“We’re underway on Thursday, so it’s good prep and gives us a good week going into the first game.”

O’Loughlin is excited to kick off the 2019 season with clashes against St Helens and Leeds Rhinos, followed by hosting NRL champions Sydney Roosters in the World Club Challenge.

“We’ve got the World Club Challenge three weeks in and we want to do well in that, so having two big games like Saints and Leeds is good prep for that,” said O’Loughlin.

“And, for Super League as a whole, it’s great to start the season off with a bang like that.”