WIGAN WARRIORS head coach Matt Peet has named Hull KR hooker Michael McIlorum has the single toughest player in Super League, and has revealed that McIlorum and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves are two of his “favourite” players from the last decade.
Peet’s men will go up against McIlorum and Waerea-Hargreaves on Friday night at Craven Park with both men fresh from their endeavours against Hull FC the week before.
And Peet had a lot of kind words for former Wigan player McIlorum as well as Rovers’ new Kiwi enforcer.
“I think they’ve been two of my favourite players in the last decade or so and it’s great to see them together,” Peet said.
“Jared is an old-school front-rower and has played in some massive games for some of the best teams in the NRL.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for him and Micky (McIlorum). Micky is loved here and is held in high esteem here and they are both confrontational players.
“We probably don’t see as much as that in the game as we used to but I’m sure they have had a massive impact on the rest of the pack at Hull KR.”
Peet went on to credit McIlorum has being the “toughest player in Super League”.
“The single toughest player in Super League. He is so understated off the field, he keeps himself to himself. He is an intelligent lad and I’ve got loads of respect for him.
“On the field, he is full on. I think he makes players around him better.”
On Hull KR as a whole, Peet had a lot of admiration for the East Yorkshire club.
“Hull KR have been fantastic as they have been for a few years now. The club has been heading in the right direction for a long time and getting the success they have deserved,” Peet continued.
“Before Willie was involved you could see good things were building at Hull KR with the atmosphere and the investors but Willie has taken it to another level.
“They are making improvements all over the place and thats what bringing the optimism around the club.
“We will have our hands full but I think both teams have a lot of respect for each other.”
