Nov 28th, 2017

Nov 28th, 2017

Canberra are making a desperate bid to sign Wigan and Irish World Cup star Micky McIlorum to replace injured hooker Josh Hodgson next season.

WWOS revealed last week that Hodgson had torn his ACL and will miss the first half of next season, leaving the Raiders in a bind.

Adding to Ricky Stuart’s woes, Hodgson’s back-up Kurt Baptiste is close to signing a deal in England while their third hooker, Adam Clydsdale, retired last week.

WWOS has learned that the Raiders have made inquiries about McIlorum, 29, who impressed for Ireland at the World Cup.

Canberra are keen on Wigan and Ireland World Cup star Michael McIlorum as cover for injured hooker Josh Hodgson. (Getty)

McIlorum is still under contract for another two years at Wigan but the club is believed to be prepared to let him go.

Wigan has a strong roster with other hooker options - including Kiwi Thomas Leuluai - and want to free up money under the cap to strengthen other positions.

The Raiders have done well from England in recent years, with English recruits Eliott Whitehead and Hodgson giving the club great service.

Stuart also got the best out of another Brit - cult hero hit man Adrian Morley - at the Roosters over a decade ago.