That isn't the case though due to the controversial 'secrecy clause' preventing Hock or his agent from mentioning the no playing against Salford stipulation.

If that's true it's obviously stupid. I presumed the secrecy clause was more to do with the severance payments. Whatever the truth, it will surely come out in time anyway, this seems destined for a courtroom.

I seriously doubt that kind of clause would be allowed in a termination agreement, otherwise every early release would include it.

Leigh must play him if they want to. I'm 99.9% certain this kind of clause would put Salford in breach of the operational rules and possibly be a restraint of trade.

And I'm 99.9% certain that neither of those things are true

Well if he sues Hock for 50k, he can then pay Puletua what he owes him

Wigan fan going supporting Leigh!

Salford by 20+

Great moves by the Leigh chairman. By concentrating the media on the Gareth Hock "will-he-won't-he" saga ha has taken all the attention away from the squad. GH won't play on Saturday but I think Leigh will have enough to beat Salford anyway. I hope for a Leigh victory. Centurions by 6.

It is a restraint of trade. But by definition every contract is a restraint of trade. The question is is it an unreasonable one. The answer there is clearly not. There was a fair agreement between the two parties . Hock got an early release from his contract and some severance (something Salford weren't obligated to provide) and Salford protected themselves from being disadvantaged by his decision to do that. Salford are perfectly able and justified in protecting their interests. There is also nothing within the operational rules to stop Salford having an agreement with Hock that he would face them until the end of his contract with them.

Salford have no right or recourse to stop Leigh picking hock, their agreement is with Hock. Should Hock choose to break his agreement with Salford he would be liable for any loss and compensation necessary arising from that. Hock would be, without a doubt in breach of contract with Salford. The decision is entirely with Hock. Leigh cannot force him to break his terms with Salford their recourse would be he presented his employment with them originally under false pretences.

so he has 2 contracts? what if Leigh pick him, he refuses, as Leigh werent aware, then surely hes up for a fine/disciplinary/dismisal from Leigh for failing to play to his contract with them....
im with HIM here, this could open a can of worms, it would appear that Salford effectively have him on loan to Leigh

It most definitely is unreasonable for Salford to release Hock (and his registration) but then put conditions on his registration by other clubs.

Salford are most likely in breach of the Operational Rules by placing such a clause in the termination agreement. This isn't like any other job like you or I would have. There are set terms and conditions by which players can be employed and also by which their employment can be terminated.

[iSection C1

The purpose of these rules shall beC1Players’ agreements may be terminated by Club or Player in accordance with the procedures for termination as set out in the Standard Player’s Agreement from time to time and there shall be such rights of appeal as set out in the Standard Player’s Agreement.

C1

C1

You cannot have clubs releasing a player and then deciding who he plays for. Salford can try to pursue Hock if he plays but I reckon they'd come up against anti-competition and sports laws and any financial benefit they may receive if they happen to win such a case against would be very much offset by the financial implications of breaking the Operational Rules and a fine or worse from the RFL.

Not to mention it appears as if they are about to be sued by Puletua. This kind of reputational damage won't help them get top players.

That would depend on Leighs agreement with Hock but yeah I expect not being available to Leigh would breach his contract with them.

Looks like Hock will play! Today Leigh Centurions issued a short statement on the situation which reads: “Folllowing recent media speculation surrounding Gareth Hock’s availability for the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Fifth Round tie against Salford Red Devils on Saturday 18 April 2015, Leigh Centurions and Gareth have sought legal advice and on the basis of that advice consider that Gareth will be available for selection for the match. “The club are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting cup tie for both teams.” www.leighreporter.co.uk/sport/le ... -1-7209494

Looks like Hock will play! Today Leigh Centurions issued a short statement on the situation which reads: “Folllowing recent media speculation surrounding Gareth Hock’s availability for the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Fifth Round tie against Salford Red Devils on Saturday 18 April 2015, Leigh Centurions and Gareth have sought legal advice and on the basis of that advice consider that Gareth will be available for selection for the match. “The club are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting cup tie for both teams.” www.leighreporter.co.uk/sport/le ... -1-7209494

For Hocks sake lets hope it wasn't Chris Caisley they consulted