Since we appear to have become the Wigan board, here is news about one of our current players; www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... -1-5316916

Since we appear to have become the Wigan board, here is news about one of our current players; www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... -1-5316916

loved this bit

[iThe Cheshire outfit – bankrolled by haulage tycoon Steve O’Connor – also have cash to spend as they attempt to establish themselves among the competition’s top clubs.

But other outfits have sniffed around[/i

Perhaps they meant to say Hock had sniffed around at other clubs, but got confused.

Complete tool but too good for both those clubs, with past form he needs to avoid Hull clubs, can't see him going to Saints, we don't need him, so clubs like Hudds and those pushing for top 8 like Wakey or Bradford would be ideal.

Salford and Widnes is a step down but at least Widnes are showing ambition.

It'd be good for SL if he signed for either team IMO.

I said at the time that Parramatta were rumoured to be interested that Wigan should snap up any offer, get him off the books and wash their hands off a player who has become a liability, and been extremely disloyal to the club that stood by him during his off-field problems.

If anyone else wants to take a punt on him go for it - for every great game he has, he'll cost you another. For every tackle he breaks he'll concede a penalty.

Whatever club he signs for is welcome to him and should get him fitted out for a suit ASAP as his first trip to the disciplinary which won't be far away.

going to explain that one?

He doesn't need to. You could start with the names Gleeson, Tansey and Mason and go on from there.

Agree. Spread some 'talent' around as long as Hock can stay on the field. Also agree that he hasn't really repaid the Pies for their loyalty to him.

I'm not sure what Wigan were expecting when they gave him a second chance-he's delivered as I thought (the odd good game, destructive at times, with poor discipline on and off the field).

Interesting seeing different boards on here-the top of the table clubs are saying "ignore him, he's a liability", whilst the lower clubs are saying "snap him up, great player".

Hardly see how him going to a lower club helps SL, as one player with poor discipline moving 'down' isn't going to solve the problems of inequality in the game. We need a more radical proposal (like a draft system).

One year loan at widens apparently, and I seen him and Kevin brown in Paul's chippy by the stadium in widens

Lol love this

Think Steve o Connor bought the fish and chips too as part of the deal hope were not paying him £150,000 a year too

Me thinks that Hock needs a new agent/advisor

I agree.

Inequality in the game isn't a problem. There will always be clubs beating other clubs. It'd be a problem if there wasn't inequality and we had draws at every fixture. The issue is that there are good clubs and bad clubs. Its bringing the level of the bad clubs up in standard that is the issue. If having an undoubtedly talented and exciting player helps then im all for it.

My opinion is Widnes are heading in the right direction building slowly and assembling a solid off-the-field platform to support a strong squad. Whilst Hock is a good player he is also a liability and a poisonous person to have knocking around the place, if I were them I wouldn't touch him for that reason. If Wigan can't make him behave, Widnes don't stand a chance.

Confirmed, gone to Widnes on a one year loan. Judging by Ian Lenaghan's comments, he won't be back in Cherry and White. Wigan v Widnes could be interesting this year.

I think Hock going to Widnes could be the final nail in the pies coffin even before the season starts , there squad imo is so severely depleted theres no way they can challenge for top four and may struggle for top eight very lightweight pack poor half backs poor backs in general bar Tomkins ! Its like the best thing I could wish for them LOVE IT !

Unfortunately it turns out that as part of the loan deal he can't play against Wigan.

May struggle to get in the top 8?

I think that is more wishful thinking on your part

They mighta get turned over by Salford on the opening day at this rate.

Please please please

Charnley and Richards are try machines.

look who was right...oh yeah me now who's the 'stupid' one

I can understand, and even agree with Wigan's, decision to keep a hold of his registration to prevent him moving to one of Wigan's main rivals (though I'm not so sure whether any of their main rivals would take a chance on him). But to include a clause preventing him from playing against Wigan seems extremely petty.

Hock leaving will weaken Wigan in one obvious sense, but they deserve congratulating for the stance they've taken. Assuming what Lenaghan has said is true, and who am I to doubt him, they've taken the only course of action open to them. They're better off without him.

As for widnes, he instantly improves their team massively and parodixically to Wigan being better off without, they are much better with him. It's a no brainer and should certainly help sell some "Stronghold" memberships of whatever silly name they've given to their season tickets this year.