Wigan Warriors coach Shaun Wane has hailed Michael McIlorum after the hooker put pen to paper on a contract extension.
The 27-year-old, who has made over 200 appearances for the Warriors, will remain at the club until at least 2019 under the terms of his new deal.
Wane believes that McIlorum's current form could land him the Man of Steel award at the end of the season.
"The mark of a player is what his fellow professionals say about him and Micky is held in the highest regard here at Wigan and amongst the rest of Super League," Wane is quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"He is consistently one of our best performers week in, week out and the fans love him here. One of the toughest players I have ever seen play the game, he doesn't get the plaudits he deserves at times. On current form, he has to be a contender for the Man of Steel Award."
Wigan are back in Super League action on Friday when they travel to Leeds Rhinos in the Super 8s.
