McIlorum ban upheld
Hooker could now have to sit out the rest of Super League season
Last Updated: September 12, 2012 7:40pm
Wigan hooker Michael McIlorum has lost his appeal against a three-match ban following his red card in the derby against St Helens.
McIlorum was given the suspension, along with a £300 fine, following his sending off in the 16th minute of last Friday's 26-18 defeat for a high and late tackle on Saints prop Anthony Laffranchi.
The Warriors contested the severity of the suspension, arguing that he had already effectively sat out one match because of his early dismissal.
However the appeal was rejected at a hearing in Leeds, meaning the 24-year-old may not now play again this season.
Only chance
McIlorum will begin his ban when Wigan take on Catalan Dragons in the first qualifying play-off at the DW Stadium on Friday, when a victory would take them straight through to the semi-finals and to within 80 minutes of the Grand Final.
McIlorum's only chance of playing at Old Trafford would come if the Cherry and Whites lose to the Dragons, meaning an extra game the following weekend against one of the winners of the elimination play-offs - and go on to win their next two ties.
Coach Shaun Wane has the option of bringing in the inexperienced Logan Tomkins, younger brother of full-back Sam, against the Dragons but is likely to use half-backs Matty Smith and Thomas Leuluai in the hooking role.
The visitors will still be without former Bradford and St Helens stand-off Leon Pryce, who is still recovering from a knee injury, but have prop Lopini Paea returning from injury.
Michael McIlorum
