The likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Hull KR have secured 2024 signings and it feels like Catalans Dragons are at the centre of all this transfer business.
They have drafted in Hull FC star Chris Satae for next season but lost Mickael Goudemand to Leeds and Tiaki Chan and Adam Keighran to Wigan.
Speaking of Wigan, they have signed Kruise Leeming for next year. The hooker was set to sign for Catalans Dragons but the French side were beaten by Wigan at the 11th hour.
There were reports that Michael McIlorum was going to retire as consequence but this late move has changed his mind.
The former Ireland and England international, 35, has put pen to paper on a contract extension that will secure his future at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium until the end of the 2024 season.
He has played his entire professional career at Wigan with whom he won the 2010, 2013 and 2016 Super League titles and the Challenge Cup on two occasions in 2011 and 2013 before signing for the Dragons.
Arrived at Brutus in 2018, he was one of the key players of Steve McNamara’ squad in the Challenge Cup success at Wembley. His Player of the Year awards at the end of the 2018 and 2022 seasons rewarded his great performances throughout his time in Perpignan.
Micky McIlorum will also join the reserve team and juniors technical staff next season to work with both teams as part of his career change plan before the end of his career.
The English hooker made 111 appearances for the Dragons and scored 8 tries in 6 seasons spent with the club.
Micky McIlorum
Thank you to the players, the staff, Bernard and the fans for your continued support! In the end, it was an easy decision to stay for another season. I hope we can keep the momentum going this season and finish on a high!
Steve McNamara, Catalans Dragons headcoach
Micky McIlorum is in a great place physically and mentally and is playing as well as at any stage in his career. He is simply getting better with age and we had no hesitation in agreeing to a new 1 year deal.
