WiganWarriorsFans.com

Wigan Warriors announce that Back-rower Gareth Hock has joined Widnes Vikings on a season long loan for the forthcoming Super League campaign. The deal until November 2013 could then be extended further. The agreement will see the Widnes Vikings pay Wigan a significant ongoing but undisclosed fee for Hock's services.

Following Hock's demands for more money in mid-season, insistence at short notice in October on a move to Australia and discussions instigated by the player in December around his request to move to another Super League club, Gareth Hock refused completely after Christmas to return to rehabilitation and pre-season training at Wigan. He informed Wigan Warriors that he would not be continuing his career at the Club, expected the Club to sack him and insisted upon a move elsewhere.

Chairman Ian Lenagan commented;

"Gareth Hock has made it clear in face-to-face discussions with me and via his agent that he has no intention of playing for the Wigan Club. This is hugely disappointing to me, to the Wigan fans and to the Club who have all treated him well.

"We have gone to unique lengths to help him get his life back on track after his ban two years ago including increasing his Contract voluntarily on two separate occasions to help him financially against a backdrop of his threats to leave. The Wigan Club has consistently supported the player and has done all that any Club could be asked to do.

"We acceded to his recent request for a move to Australia on the basis that a change of environment and a different competition might be good socially for him, provided it was also financially beneficial to Wigan. However, this did not transpire. Even though better offers have been now received, he has made it clear he does not now wish to move to Australia and will not play for Wigan.

"A line has to be drawn at some stage and whilst with immense regret at losing a player of Gareth's quality, who I believe is still a Wiganer at heart, we have concluded that that time is now for the good of the 2013 Wigan Squad, the Coaching Staff and for the Wigan fans.

"Since I and Wigan are not prepared to allow Gareth Hock to play for one of our major competitors, we have decided to retain his Registration and to allow him to move on loan to Widnes Super League Club with whom we have an excellent relationship. He is not allowed to play against Wigan in any competitions.

"In terms of rationale, it is known that Gareth was upset that Shaun Wane took away his number 12 Squad Number - hardly surprising in the light of his expected departure to Australia - but we were expecting him to concentrate on his injury rehabilitation and to fight for his place in the Team.

"Having stood by Gareth Hock, we feel let down by his attitude under both Michael Maguire and Shaun Wane since returning to play for Wigan.

"I have instructed Wigan staff to now leave this issue behind, concentrate upon the coming season and make no further comment."

http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... 869&type=1

Thats unusually thorough explination! he must of really rubbed people up the wrong way.

"if" all that is true, this is a brilliant bit of business by IL to avoid him going to a top team

Of course I don't know the ins and outs of it, but it does appear that the club has done what it can in this. It would be interesting to hear about it from Hock's side as well though.

A miss for the side this season, and a big hole to fill.

I have never seen this kinda of statement from a club though which leads me to believe CPW is right and Wigan are the bad guys because why list all the things Gaz has done wrong. Normally a club would say "tenure had become unsustainable" or "gaz was unhappy at the club and this move pleases all parties"

I cant see Hock coming back now IL - not wane - has publicly called him a B***rd here basiacally and no matter what happens coach-wise IL aint going anywhere soon

i am in total shock at this very frank statement from the club. If i had not seen some of CP's posts before this release i would have pinned the tail on Hock, but now ..... im not to sure. it does look like Wigan are trying too hard to crap on Hocks name.

It does state that under both coaches Hock was a bad'un. I love Hock and the things he brings to our game, as well as the way he seemed to have smashed those demons from his life .... i think we need some sort of response from Hock over this, as it seems our club have nailed Hock to the proverbial cross

This is the end of Hock's Wigan career. Even if Wane goes at the end of the year, IL will still be here and he is the one that has criticised Hock.

I don't doubt that there are two sides to this; however if what they have said about Hock is untrue, then he could sue them for libel - will be interesting to see if he does.

Matthew wrote:This is the end of Hock's Wigan career. Even if Wane goes at the end of the year, IL will still be here and he is the one that has criticised Hock.

I don't doubt that there are two sides to this; however if what they have said about Hock is untrue, then he could sue them for libel - will be interesting to see if he does.

He won't. A statement like this will have been agreed with both parties!

Take what is said with a pinch of salt even by IL. There is so much more to this than has been said.

cpwigan wrote:Take what is said with a pinch of salt even by IL. There is so much more to this than has been said.

Well why don't you enlighten us then rather than go on and on about how poor little Gaz is a victim and you know why but you can't say anything, if it's the truth then what is the problem, if Gaz has been hard done to then it is piss poor behaviour by the club, but i would guess he has done something to start all these problems, he surely can't be 100% blameless

If what has been said about Hock is untrue and someone knows otherwise - then they should say so. Saying that it's not his fault and that there is a lot going on behind the scenes that people not in the know are unaware of pangs of conspiracy theories.

If something has gone on; then tell all and defend Hock's honour; if you can't (or won't) then don't mention it.

Until I see proof otherwise, why should I believe anything other than what has been officially stated?

If Hock has been slandered; then why wouldn't he sue? He might not be the brightest penny in the role; however I am sure his agent/advisor will know.

Anyway - transfer market anyone? We must have a few quid under the cap now!