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

Imagine what he would be like without the drugs.

Who can say, maybe his period of reflection will make him a better player.

Here's hoping he can show this sort of form leading into the world cup and doesn't do something ridiculous in the interim.

Have enjoyed watching him mix it with the cons in the past, he's certainly one of our few world class players.

On form I think he is the best British forward, he won't be scared to mix it with the aussies. However he is not as consistant as Burgess, Graham and Ellis... but he is far more devastating.

We are so lucky to have the biggest threat in super league in the backs and also in the forwards.

In terms of natural talent he has always had it. I have said this on many occassions.

Maybe it was the break that has added a degree of "maturity" to him, maybe it would have come with time.

I honestly believe the next 3 years will prove him to be the best back row forward in England.

The ban could extend his career. Two years off mid-career and then comong back fitter and stronger could see him playing until his late 30's if he continues to look after himself.

Id say hes done that already

Completely agree. There are some great backrowers in our game, Ellis and Westwood for example but none of them have the skill sets that Gaz does. He seems to have really cut down on the brain farts and is a real handful, hard as nails and a real nasty streak that opponents fear. Just the type of player we need to give some to the Aussies.

Perhaps.

I guess the point I was making is that I think over the next 3 years he will improve to the extent that there will be clear water between him and the rest.

I did smile when it was mooted on here that he should/would become a prop......



The guy is probably the most natural second row we have had in a long time.

Gaz is by far the best second row forward in super league and ive always said he would kill the Aussie league they would love him hes off loads would be lapped up by the strong fast paced backs of the Aussies, I always say Shaun Edwards in hes pomp would of had a field day with Gaz Hocks off loads because Edwards was the best support player ive ever witnessed at Wigan, Back to Gaz just hope we can keep him at the DW

I think the "brainfarts" he had before his ban was down to the fact he was trying to force the pass as our attack was downright pathetic at times. I think when we were struggling at times he tried to take it upon himself to make things happen, although it didnt come off.

For the record i think he's the best second rower in the country, hits the hardest, runs the hardest and has brillant skills to match up. TBH, i dont think we fully utilise Hocks offload ability, i'd love to see Sam on his shoulder 99% of the time he has the ball in his hands.

I can't stand the man....BUT...Bloody hell what a season he's having so far!!
Fair play to Gareth for coming back bigger and stronger.