Betts confirms Widnes bid to sign Gareth Hock

Widnes coach Denis Betts has confirmed the Vikings are in the running to sign Wigan back-rower Gareth Hock.

Hock, 29, is also believed to be on the shopping list of new Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash, following rumours of a fall out with Warriors coach Shaun Wane.

The England second-row was close to joining NRL side Parramatta Eels in the autumn, and has lost his number 12 shirt at the DW Stadium to Liam Farrell.

Speaking after Widnes’ 36-12 pre-season friendly defeat to Huddersfield, Betts said they were in the hunt but were wary of a bidding war for Hock’s services.

After finishing bottom of Super League last season, the Vikings have added Huddersfield’s Kevin Brown and utility forward Phil Joseph to their squad, as well as making the loan moves of Joe Mellor and Stefan Marsh permanent.

Former Huddersfield and Wigan forward Matt Sarsfield was on trial at the Stobart Stadium, but the club has decided not to offer him a deal, and he will now look to pursue a career outside of the game.