Wigan Warriors' Michael McIlorum undergoes arm surgery

Wigan Warriors hooker Michael McIlorum expects to be fit for the start of the Super League season after undergoing surgery on his troublesome arm.

The 27-year-old missed England's Test series victory over New Zealand last month in order to have a bone graft operation.

McIlorum had bone moved from his hip to the arm he broke last year and missed the Grand Final defeat to St Helens.

Having sat out the 2014 showpiece at Old Trafford, McIlorum said there was no chance he would miss the showdown against Leeds Rhinos in October – which Wigan lost after also being beaten by Saints 12 months earlier – and is hopeful of being fit when the Super League season kicks off in February.

He said: "Where the fracture was on the other side of the plate, it hadn't healed properly.

"To miss out [in 2014] was devastating and there was no way I was missing it again.

"The Doc said that, because the plate was there supporting it, I couldn't make it worse – he just said I'd have to get the bone graft after to sort it out.”

He added: "Chris Brookes [Warriors doctor] told me I couldn't play on, because I wanted to get my arm done. He said I could play in the play-off games and the Grand Final, but I had a word with Steve McNamara [England Coach] and it was best for me to have it [the operation].

"I've still got to wait for a scan in a couple of weeks to make sure 100 per cent.

"I've started back weights and running again. It feels 100 per cent better – I should be good [for the start of the season], the physios are doing a great job and it looks like it's healing well."