But every hooker looks better when their forwards are dominating and will suffer if their team ruck is slowed?

To re iterate, Roby is far from just a scooting hooker. He's matured into a very well rounded 9.

McIlorum is a good hooker. I think one of the reasons that Wigan have done so well over the past few years is that players coming in are often genuinely skilled in their position, rather than some squad players who are more general rugby players who happen to play in that position. Goulding is another example of this, not many people would rave about him as his not 6'4" of lightening quick, but he's a good centre, got the centre skills and when he's in a position he'll generally do things the way a coach would want. McIlorum is generally like this, imo.
A few years back, Saints had a hooker called Bernard Dwyer. I thought he was great. Tough, busy, seemed to have a decent pass. I was young and hadn't been watching the game long, so my obvious saints bias wouldn't allow me to understand why one of my favourite players never got picked in the international sides. Looking back, Barney was a good player, but there were just better hookers about. I'd suggest McIlorum has a lot in common with Dwyers situation (and probably isn't a dissimilar player).

Agreed, but his main strengths are 'scooting' and the like, I agree he's a very well rounded 9, but i'm just perhaps comparing him to players like Cam Smith and Farah where their distribution and passing ability is their main strength etc.

But like I said, we've nothing better and i'd like to see him out there for the full 80 in the World Cup

Things must be getting desperate if McIlorum is being considered. Wow.

This is where Roby has improved this year on his varied passing game and short kicking options. The Saints pack has been dominated in most games this season and Roby has adjusted to it, obviously if he gets the opportunity to scoot it will be a bonus.
What you will see from Roby in the world cup is a similar style to Cam Smith but if he gets into open play it hopefully will damage the opposition.

I'll bow to your superior knowledge, I have seen very little of Saints this year, I look forward to seeing Roby injury free in the world cup and showing what he can do!

As a Saints fan I am naturally going to say Roby but that is on the basis that without him we are nowhere near the same side.

Looking at other clubs there are some good candidates. Houghton looks the best of the rest, a great work rate and excellent distribution. Next is Lunt who probably the most dangerous attacking player especially near the line however his all round game is not as good as Houghton. After that you have Higham and McIllorm. Higham is a dangerous player but his distribution lets him down which is a big negative for a hooker, while McIllorm offers less skill and speed than the others but a high work rate, is physical and has some mongrel which the Aussies have typically not liked.

Burrow has an X factor that is hard to ignore however you feel is as an interchange player and most of the players above can do 80 mins.