Micky just like Terry

[josie andrews]

Wigan coach Shaun Wane has likened hooker Mike McIlorum to the late great Terry Newton, writes Neil Barker.

Newton, the former Wigan and GB star who died two years ago set the trend for the all-action, modern day hooker. He was tough aggressive and creative.

Wane now sees a lot of this in McIlorum’s make-up.

“Micky Mac is a very good player,” said Wane, whose side drew 17-17 with Warrington on Friday night.

“He really gets us going and can be so influential. He did well against Warrington.

“We all certainly showed a real mental toughness in this one. Micky is like Terry. He is quick and he spends a great of time working on his speed.

“On days off, he is down at the track looking at ways to increase his pace. He works hard in the loose. I am really pleased with what he brings to our side. He is a such strong player and so direct.”

Wane believes Wigan sent out a message to the rest of Super League after holding title favourites Warrington.

He said: “People were possibly writing us off at the start of the season but that doesn’t bother me. I know how hard working my players are.”

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... d-1307382?

[TrueBlueWarrior]

I'm afraid I don't agree. Terry was a great and agressive hooker. MMcL is a great hooker, but unfortunately lets himself down at times, giving penalties away trying to be the "hard man".

...and Terry didn't?

[cpwigan]

Both played the game on the edge but are different players IMO. Micky likes defence more than Terry did.

[Owd Codger]

Terry Newton also give away a fair share of penalties

[CasWigan]

Nitsua must have a short memory, does SHE forget that in 2005 Terry Newton was given a then record seven match ban for foul play after breaking Sean Long jaw when playing Stains at the JJB.

Edit by DaveO to fix your typo!

[DaveO]

I'm afraid I don't agree. Terry was a great and agressive hooker. MMcL is a great hooker, but unfortunately lets himself down at times, giving penalties away trying to be the "hard man".

...and Terry didn't?

I was just thinking the same thing. I tend to put Terry with Hock. Great players but likely to do something daft in a big game. Lets not forget Terry broke Long's jaw in the play offs (ended Saints chances that year too when Bradford won it from 3rd IIRC).

So I hope the comparison of Terry and MM doesn't put MM in the same bracket. I don't think it does.

[KaylaRobbo]

Either way - I agree with Shaun - he's brilliant. Micky Mac was like a Duracell bunny against Warrington. So he has passion and gets hot-headed? - Its because he wants to win and won't be bullied! Think we'll be needing that this season till the newer lads get a bit braver and feel like they belong in the first team and start to get in the bigger oppositions faces which takes time!
Bring it on!!!!!

[Mike]

Personally I've always thought MM had a very similar stye to Terry, and that is a good thing, we need a physical and aggressive presence in the pack that the opposition are forced to worry about.

BTW - DaveO - I wouldn't put Newton in the Hock camp for brain explosions, because Terry was just a good aggressive player which inevitably leads to stepping over the line occasionally, but IMO Hock does crazy things at crazy times occasionally. (Not that i think Hock should have gone - just that you have to live with that side of his game to get the good side).

I'd say MM has always looked like he the potential to be a great hooker in the Newton mould, and I'd say he has gone a long way to becoming that player already. I'm not quite sure why some don't seem to like his play - IMO he'll be Wigan's hooker for best part of the next decade.

[l halliday]

Sorry. I have to agree with Dave

I was just thinking the same thing. I tend to put Terry with Hock. Great players but likely to do something daft in a big game.

Terry gave away daft penalties that lead to us conceding unnecessary points.

[cow yeds]

The biff has gone out of the game, it's a watered down version of the one that I first started watching.
No hard men now.