Betts disappointed by Hock absence

Widnes coach Denis Betts says he is disappointed that loan star Gareth Hock will not be able to play against parent club Wigan on Saturday.

Hock, 29, will miss his second successive game for the Vikings, having sat out the defeat at Catalan through suspension, following his red card in the recent draw against Bradford.

He can’t play in the televised clash against the Warriors due to a clause inserted in the season-long loan agreement between the two clubs.

Betts said: “I’m more disappointed for Gaz. I know he really wants to play. They must be afraid of him.

“Some clubs like to put them in but, if I let a player go on loan, I wouldn’t hinder his development by saying he couldn’t play against us. If I didn’t want him, let someone else have him.

“It’s not my call, it was part of the deal. It might have been a bit of a deal-breaker so we let them keep it in.”

Hock was allowed to leave the DW Stadium after a major fall out in the close season.

He has since made four appearances for Widnes, scoring tries in the win over Hull and the defeat at Hull KR.