ContinueJason Robinson put on his boots once more in a Wigan vs. St Helens Legends fixture, as he joined former greats including Terry O’Conner, Mick Cassidy and Andy Gregory to celebrate Sean O’Loughlin’s Testimonial on Saturday.
It was clear the 2003 World Cup winner's connections to his old club are still strong as he praised the achievements of the Wigan captain:
“It was great to come down and support Sean on his testimonial year. It was good to see a few old faces, thankfully a few older than myself. It was good fun, not too serious but a good run out. My lungs are a bit sore now though.
“It’s for a guy whose served Wigan really well and the least we can do is come out and support him.”
Robinson, who enjoyed eight years at Wigan before switching codes in 2000, admitted that while he didn't know O'Loughlin particularly well, he couldn't turn down the opportunity to run out for the Warriors again.
“I don’t know Sean really well, but obviously when you’ve played for Wigan you always keep an eye on them, and Sean has been a fantastic player and a fantastic captain. It gives the old guys a good excuse to just have a run out.
“They’ll be hurting from last night’s result [a 30-22 home loss to Bradford] but they’re a good team and hopefully it’s just a kick up the backside. They’re doing well at the moment and they’ll want to finish strongly and get some silverware, that’s what it’s all about.”
Robinson also expressed his admiration for the solidarity of rugby league fans, who have pulled together to support the Joining Jack charity, of which he is an ambassador.
Joining Jack was recently founded in order to raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy after ex-Wigan star Andy Johnson’s young son was diagnosed with the condition. The charity has gone from strength to strength and many sport stars, including Sam Tomkins, have been using the JJ salute – a linking of fingers – in try celebrations to raise awareness.
“Andy’s a good friend of mine,” Robinson said, “And it was heartbreaking when we found that his son Jack had got Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
“It’s just great to see how people have got behind them and really support them. The Wigan fans have really played their part as well, you see lots of fans raising funds and awareness for the condition and long may it continue.
“He’s a great friend of mine and I think it’s only right that we support him.
“I think it’s a reflection of rugby league fans all pulling together, when you see the awareness that’s been raised already. Obviously there isn’t a cure for DMD at the moment so hopefully the money raised and the awareness will certainly help.
“Things are moving very quickly and it’s just great that everyone’s supporting the cause. It’s been great as well today, I didn’t think there’d be as many down here but it’s good that they’ve turned out in their numbers to support Sean.”
Other ambassadors of Joining Jack include Andy Farrell, Sean Edwards and Andy Gregory. More information on the charity can be found at http://joiningjack.org.
