Rumour is Gareth Hock reportedly signed for Parramatta Eels.

Rats leaving a sinking ship...

ooo our friends over the lump will love that!

I can't see it being true to be honest. He's under contract for another few years so they would have to do something about that. If Wigan have just let him go, does no one else worry about what Wigan have lined up if they're willing to do that?

It's a worry for Super League as well. Within a few years there will be no top players in our competition. Kyle Eastmond looks an incredible player for Bath now and the likes of Burgess and Jammer are playing well in the NRL and will encourage more signings no doubt.

Sam Tomkins is next, next season will be his last, if he even stays for that. He's been training with Saracens again recently and it can't be long before he makes his decision between the NRL and playing for England at Union.

Heard it was Sydney Roosters myself from someone usually very reliable a few days ago. It would be pretty harsh on Wigan considering they stuck by him, although if it had been Johnny NoTalent I'm sure they wouldn't have done understandably. I suppose Hock needs to look out for himself.

Doubt he would get past passport control due to his "ahem" past.

"Confirmed" by bobby goulding on twitter. 4 year deal apparently.

i heard he failed another drugs test...

Being a convict is a prerequisite to go to Aus isn't it?

Hardly a surprise given all the trouble at Wigan towards the end if the season with fights between team mates. Good riddance to him, Wigan will be a better club without him

Precisely. We need Agent Hock to stay over the lump!

Wants to get away from his social circle apparently, which if true, is quite admirable. Good to see him realise this to save his career.

also i heard he had fisty cuffs with the ape

I heard he likes alsations a little too much.

Eastmond looks an incredible player??? Seriously how many games have you seen him play for Bath??? Or are we talking a few minutes of selected play off You Tube?

I heard he got into a scrap with someone in Wigan (not a player or staff) but that was about two or three months ago.

Yes. He does. He's easily the best young player Super League has produced in the last 10 years. It's a crying shame the sport doesn't have what it takes to keep him on board. He's better than Tomkins and both will be playing Union within the next 12 months.

Never one to shy away from an overstatement Saddened.

I wonder if you'll still hold that opinion if Wigan sign Eastmond as Sam's replacement next season?

You don't need him. You've got Blake Green and Matty Smith.

Not playing at fullback.

I thought you had super-duper wonderkid Matty Russell? Whats happened to him?

Gone to play in Australia.

Will the last one out at Wigoon turn out the lights please.

They must have got a discounted price if they block booked on their flights. Rumour has it that Mossop is off too?

There isn't a rumour Mossop is off to Australia, it's a well known fact.
What has to be decided yet is when.
Also whether it will be a temp loan deal for 2 years and then he'll return to complete his 5 year contract or alternatively, stay out there.
J Tomkins went for £240k payable over 2 years.
If Hock goes Wigan should get around the £175-200k mark, probably again over 2 years.
When Sam Tomkins departs heaven knows how much Wigan will get. If the club get over £500k for him that will be £1m for the 3 players. Whether this is good business or not will be the quality of replacements and their costs.
As you know Wigan have bought Smith, Green and Taylor for the money they got for Joel with a small amount of change left.
Imagine what you guys could have got for James Graham if he'd gone whilst under contract. He didn't stay to help you win trophies so maybe you should have got rid when he had 2 or 3 years left on his contract and then demanded a massive fee.