Michael McIlorum tells all on his ultimate inspiration behind turning down Catalans Dragons for his Hull KR move, inspiring the side to complete glory.
When Michael McIlorum walked off the Old Trafford turf for the final time, a Super League ring around his finger, it wasn’t just the end of a career – it was the completion of a promise to his little girl.
The 37-year-old hooker has spent nearly two decades at the heart of rugby league’s fiercest battles. He’s lifted Grand Final trophies with Wigan, made history with Catalans, and carved out a reputation as one of the game’s toughest competitors. But it was a single, deeply personal reason that pushed him to uproot his life and move to East Hull for one last campaign.
“I wanted to show her that dad’s a winner, and it’s something that I’ve done,” says McIlorum, a quiet figure away from the field.
The ex-England and Ireland international turned down a fresh deal to remain in the South of France with the Dragons – the club he had called home for seven years. Instead, he signed a surprise 12-month contract with Hull KR, sensing something special was building under head coach Willie Peters.
The move came with sacrifices. He left behind his partner and daughter, trading comfort for one final shot at silverware. For the veteran nine, the risk paid off.
“It was a big decision,” he said. “I was settled in France, I’d been there seven years and they offered me another year to carry on and I could have easily done that.
“But I just wanted a challenge before I retired, I knew it was probably going to be my last year or two. I saw what Hull KR were doing – they got close last year – and Tyrone May and Tom Davies are good friends and I wanted to play with my friends and try to win something before I retire.
“I spoke to my partner and said, ‘I need to do this. You stay here with our little girl, I’m not forcing you to come,’ and she understood. She’s been great. It’s obviously worked out, and was worth the gamble.”
It came with periods without seeing his family, with milestones missed and moments he can never get back.
“Because of the age my girl is at, she’s been changing a lot in between me seeing her,” McIlorum continued.
“One time I saw her she couldn’t string words together, the next she was sort of speaking to me. Those moments I’ll never get back, but the bigger picture is I did it – and I did it for her.”
McIlorum signed off an illustrious career with four Grand Finals rings and four Challenge Cup triumphs – including memorable wins at Wembley with Catalans and Hull KR.
And he believes the Robins’ unprecedented 2025 success is just the beginning.
“I’m sure when I’ve had a bit of time to reflect on my full career, this year is going to be up there,” he smiled.
“To win a treble, in any year – not just my last year – is really special with a close group of people. Willie Peters has been fantastic and has shown a lot of faith in me, and I’m just happy to repay that.
“Neil Hudgell and Paul Lakin have been fantastic, and I just think this club has got great people in their positions.
“I feel like they’ve got all the foundations to carry on and not let this be a one-season wonder, and win things for years to come.”