By BILLY GRIMSHAW
WIGAN hooker Michael McIlorum is nearing a comeback for the Warriors after over a year on the sidelines. Head coach Shaun Wane confirmed the 29-year-old hooker could be available in time for the April 6 showdown with Castleford.
The former England representative has missed over a year of action after breaking and dislocating his ankle in last year’s World Club Series clash with Brisbane Broncos. Wane was coy when asked for a firm return date, saying: “It could be St Helens, it could be Cas. It was an awkward injury what he had, it was a shocker. But it will be great to have him back.”
Mcilorum is in the middle of his testimonial year at Wigan and Wane says the whole club are delighted to see him ready to take the field. “He’s training well. It’s been funny because the physios are saying to him he can’t run and can’t train today, but he won’t have it, he’s stubborn and the only one person he’ll listen to is me.”
The Warriors defied their injury list last year and won the Grand Final with Sam Powell manfully deputising for McIlorum at hooker, a role he has again excelled in this season. Powell’s ability means Wane is comfortable taking McIlorum’s return slowly. “If I said to him to go for Friday he would genuinely play.” The Warriors’ boss said of the number nine. “If it’s a week after St Helens I’m not stressed out. I’ve been without him for so long I’m not going to rush him back.”
