Hock to miss first six weeks of season

Wigan back-rower Gareth Hock will miss the first six weeks of the Super League season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Hock, 29, missed the Warriors’ pre-season training camp in Florida before Christmas after having the operation following England‘s autumn internationals.

He had been close to leaving the DW Stadium in the autumn, but a move to NRL side Parramatta Eels fell through.

Head Coach Shaun Wane told the Wigan Evening Post: “Gareth will be out for at least six weeks of the new season.

“We’re fortunate that we have a number of talented second rowers in the squad.”

Hock scored 14 tries in 30 appearances last season, his first full year back after a two-year drugs ban.