Wigan Warriors hooker Michael McIlorum has signed a new two-year contract extension at the DW Stadium, just a year after penning fresh terms.
The 27-year-old graduated through the First Utility Super League club’s academy and has made 208 appearances for last year’s beaten Grand Finalists.
McIlorum has now committed his future to Shaun Wane’s side until the end of 2019, and after missing out on the loss to St Helens in last term’s showpiece event with a fractured eye socket, he is now even more keen to get the Warriors back to Old Trafford.
“Having signed a new deal last year, I wasn’t really expecting this but I am flattered that the club rate me so highly. I didn’t hesitate to sign this new deal,” he said.
“Having been at Wigan for 10 years, the place now feels like home. Like the rest of the team, I’m focused on finishing the season well and getting back to Old Trafford starting with a huge game this Friday against Leeds.”
Wane, whose side come face-to-face with the Rhinos next in a clash between the teams that finished first and second in the Super League standings, added that he believes McIlorum should be in consideration for this year’s Man of Steel award.
“The mark of a player is what his fellow professionals say about him and Micky is held in the highest regard here at Wigan and amongst the rest of Super League,” the head coach noted.
“He is consistently one of our best performers week-in, week-out and the fans love him here. One of the toughest players I have ever seen play the game, he doesn’t get the plaudits he deserves at times.
“On current form, he has to be a contender for the Man of Steel award.”