Hocks departure - will it affect Sam?

[Mike]

Those in the know - will Hock's departure have any baring on Sam's attitude towards the club this season? They played together a fair amount, but not in the same age groups, so how close was Sam to Hock and how much will Hock's departure unsettle Sam?

[yoda warrior]

Don't know about it affecting his attitude but it will have an effect on how much space he gets on the left side of the field. Teams were always worried about Hock steaming onto a short ball and Sam would have extra space as a second man because of it.

[Owd Codger]

So Hock was the only one making space?

[cpwigan]

No. Gaz Hock is older and prefers his own circle of friends. He did have an excellent raport with all the players at Wigan. He tended to take a disliking to the odd player from other clubs.

Gaz Hock is a world class left edge runner. He attracts defence. Finch, Hock, Carmont, Richards with Sam floating 2nd man was a hell of a left edge threat. Teams would over compensate in defence to cover them all giving space down the right. A big left shift followed by a big right shift often resulted in a try down the right.

Bit confused though. Green if you watch him for Hull KR was a real righty. I thought that is why we bought him. He is very much right sided, his passing is better that side by far. Yet, we seem to be playing him left.

[yoda warrior]

So Hock was the only one making space?

Oh yeah, that's exactly what i said. Those second man plays are designed to target the 3rd defender from the sideline to get the ball in Sams hands with 3 on 2 on the outside. Hock coming onto a ball at full pace would always put a doubt in that 3rd defenders mind because they knew he was a damaging runner. I think Farrell's a good player but he isn't going to occupy defenders like Gaz did. We'll probably see that same play more on the right this year.

[TonyH]

Keith Mason is certainly not happy with Gaz Hock.

[michael inch stoke]

Keith Mason is certainly not happy with Gaz Hock.

Why is that? :conf:

[cpwigan]

Keith Mason is certainly not happy with Gaz Hock.

Why is that? :conf:

Old news and no longer relevant.

[TSB]

Gaz has gone so lets draw the line period.

[Kittwazzer]

Gaz has gone so lets draw the line period.

That's fine if you believe getting rid of him has solved the problem!