Hock could make Widnes bow against St Helens

Gareth Hock could make his Widnes debut in their Super League encounter against St Helens on Sunday.

The loan signing from Wigan has been given the all-clear to make his comeback from injury, after undergoing shoulder surgery in the close season.

Vikings Head Coach Denis Betts said: “Gaz is very close. He has been given the all-clear by the specialist and we’ll bring him into full training this week.

“He’s looking really good and I’m looking forward to getting him into the team, but I won’t force the issue. We’ve got him all year.

“We’ll look at how he goes this week and make a decision. It would be a big game for him to come into, given he hasn’t done any real training.”

Widnes will still be without fellow new signing Kevin Brown, who was forced to undergo ankle surgery after picking up a knock in pre-season training.

Another former Wigan player, centre Cameron Phelps, is also set for a return, after he missed the opening game against London with a calf strain.