SOUTH OF FRANCE v HULL KR? THAT'S NO CONTEST!

He may speak fluent French, still wants to retire there and has even left his wife behind, but Mac is happy to be here ...and on top of the league!

- BY DAVE CRAVEN RL

HIS wife is heading back to France but Hull KR's Michael Mcllorum is sticking around with the new Super League leaders.

The veteran ex-England hooker made the surprise decision to leave Catalans and join the Robins in 2025. It was a shock move because the combative No.9 had spent seven years in Perpignan fully immersing himself in the French way of life.

Leeds-born McIlorum speaks fluent French, was lined up for a job with the Dragons once his decorated playing career finished - “I was going to coach the young kids” - and has often spoken of retiring in the region he adores so much. But after talks broke down over a new deal, last season's Grand Finalists Rovers nipped in with a 12-month contract.