Monday 23 June 2014 17:05, UK
Wigan Warriors have suffered a blow after hooker Michael McIlorum was ruled out for two months with a broken arm.
The England international sustained the injury in the closing stages of Warriors’ win over Widnes last week and sat out Sunday’s loss to Wakefield which saw them knocked off top spot in the league.
Warriors head coach Shaun Wane conceded the loss of the 26-year-old player he believes to be the world’s best hooker will be felt by his team.
"We'll hopefully get him back for the play-offs,” he told BBC Radio Manchester. "He's the best hooker in the world for me and he's going to be a loss."
He joins a large contingent of injured Warriors players including stand-off Blake Green who has been out of action since tearing his biceps in Wigan's Magic Weekend success over Leeds Rhinos.
Wigan take on table-topping St Helens at the DW Stadium on Friday and captain Sean O’Loughlin is expected to be fit after missing the clash with Wakefield.
Second-rower Liam Farrell could miss ouyt however after he was charged with a Grade B lifting offence in the match against Wakefield, while centre Anthony Gelling may face punishment for Grade A punching.
