Just watched the highlights of the Wakefield game and some of the things he is doing in attack i honestly believe no other forward in the world could do. His attacking game is on another planet skills wise. He is to our forwards what Sam Tomkins is to our backs.

I said a few weeks ago that he has a step like Tomkins. He is class.

He's been immense this year and is playing like I thought he was capable of before his ban. I said at the time of his ban that of he could use it to make him wake up and grow up then it could actually turn in to a positive for him and I think it has done.

He's quite obviously the best forward in superleague and there's no doubt he's one of the best in the world. There are very very few forwards that can do what he can do when he has the ball.

Imagine what he'd be like now if he hadn't had a forced holiday!

the plaudits Gareth Ellis gets, imagine if Hock was playing 11 for Manly or something, i'd love to see it

He still can give the ball away on occasions but other than that he's been fantastic. He stood out for me in the first home match against Hudds and from there has gone from strength to strength

He reminds me of South Sydney's Dave Taylor but with more pace and agility, I wouldn't swap Hock for any second rower in our sport.

He also genuinely intimidates opponents and that is a biggy in RL. He is as tough as nails but is very skilful too. Most forwards have one or the other but not both.

yeah but hes no westwood

OK so here's a downer: Hock's got some frightening form to go with his talent. How long before the salary-cap enhanced Aussies wave a wad under his (and Lenegan's, cos he's under contract) nose?

They already have once, haven't they? Whilst banned.

That is the worry though.

Or Ablett.

never happen

he would never leave his family or son..all he wants is his family around him.

Surprised there wasn't as much reaction to Hock straight after the game....

Tomkins seemed to be the name on everyone's lips straight after, but I went out of the game feeling Hock was the best player on the pitch. I said to me old man numerous times through the game that he was tearing us apart at regular intervals. He's had his critics in the past (and rightly so really) he served his punishment though and has come back a far, far better player.

Would walk into any side in the World for me..

I love what Richard Agar said. Anybody who wants to tackle Gaz Hock has to be prepared to throw themselves under a bus! That with his pace, agility, aggression and ball skills make him as good as any 2nd row in the world for me!

But compare the league to that of 10-15 years ago and he would never have got on any of the top sides.

Apples and Oranges. Ablett is a centre. Haven't you heard?

Is he? I thought he was a 'jack of all trades' type player he's that good?

Exactly!

He's no Tim Jonkers that's for sure.

Apologies. He is indeed a rich man's Panapa.

There are worse things to wave under his nose

For me, i'm really happy he has been able to fullfil his potential as a player. I certainly won't forget the vitriol poured from many "holier than thou" people, especially on this board, who were willing to cast him off. But much much more importantly, i hope his personal life is richer, and he is enjoying the benefits of friends and family around him. Hopefully the "friends" who did not stop his behaviour are no longer around, or Gareth has seen just how much more there is to life than the path he was on.

Good luck to you lad, you had a lucky break, make the most of it. Many who slip down that road don't get the breaks you have.

Playing better than ever Wigan took the chance on retaining him and he is playing beyond all expectations, I would have him on the short list for man of steel thats unless Stevo has already given it to Roby

Yes, Mason and Bailey to name but two!

Hock has indeed been causing a stir and it has ALREADY led several NRL clubs to start showing considerable interest in him. On the positive side, the guy is absolutely loving his second chance and Wants to repay the faith and support we showed him through his ban period. Also, he has a close family in Wigan and Australia really doesn't appeal to him