Ion auth Noob Help

Hi this is my first forum post, so please go easy.
This may a simple one but I just cannot get my head around it.
I have started a brand new Ci4 install and i'm trying to get ion auth to work. (I am a total Noob, I fumble around at the best of times, but I get there in the end)
I've managed to load the library, and when I run the following, it I get logged in.. perfect.

Code:

$identity = '[email protected]';
$password = 'password';
$remember = FALSE; // remember the user
$this->ionAuth->login($identity, $password, $remember);

The next stage which if i'm not logged in it redirects..

Code:

if ( !$this->ionAuth->loggedIn() ) {    
            return redirect()->to('auth/login');         
 }

That works.. It shows the login screen. Great.. But thats where it all comes crumbling down.. 
Trying to login from that point just 303s it.. I basically in a loop of regret from that point on..
Its either something to go with routes, or validation.. tbh I have no idea.

I'd be grateful if one of you fine wizards could help me problem solve this issue.

Cheers