Mick’s Cat move due to his dogs
MICKY McILORUM has revealed the main reason for joining Catalans instead of Canberra – his two dogs.
The Ireland international completed the shock move of the close season when he joined the Dragons after 14 unbroken years at Wigan.
McIlorum had initially been targeted by NRL side Canberra Raiders and held talks with the Aussie club.
But, instead, he linked up with Steve McNamara in the south of France, and he says that Jack Russell terriers Daisy and Marley were central to his decision.
McIlorum said: “That’s pretty much it – no one believes me, but it’s true.
“I had a couple of serious offers from Canberra, but, with my family and my dogs, it was a bit far to go to take them.
“At Catalans, it’s not too far to get back home and it’s easy to get the dogs over – they’re like my kids.”
McIlorum, 30, is relishing the prospect of reviving the Dragons’ fortunes.
But he admits leaving Wigan – and coach Shaun Wane – was a big wrench.
He added: “A lot of the lads are like family to me – and Waney’s been my coach since I was 16. I’m not really looking forward to playing against them.”