Doesn't really fit in with Saints organic youth policy though.

Surely, surely there is no-one stupid enough to give him yet another chance? He's put in a transfer request less than a year into a lucrative four year deal whilst currently banned for another 'run in' with an official, having been sent home from the World Cup squad, having turned his back on an initial move to Australia, having done the dirty on Wigan, etc, etc, etc...

If he still has 3 years to run on his deal then there must surely be a hefty fee involved, if it is too someone like Saints then the prudent thing would be for the Doc too look for a swap deal. Given the history between the Doc and McManus then I doubt Hock will be allowed to leave for anything less than top Dollar.

I make no claims that saints have anything to do with it! All I know is Saints are/ were after an unnamed Salford player (because one of our officials was overheard on the phone whilst buying lunch in tesco ... You couldn't make it up) - I was merely speculating on a club who needs second rowers (aka us!) but it could be a case of putting 2 and 2 together.

I'm convinced he put the request in because he knows there's someone better to go to - I doubt there's anywhere willing to pay top coin compared to Salford, so I can only conclude that said team are considered "big".

Unfortunately for Salford any chance of getting top dollar has been significantly weakened now everyone knows he wants out (ala the Rangi Chase saga) - salary capped sport means you simply can't afford a big earner not wanting to be there. Out of curiosity, supposing this is Saints, and supposing it was a swap deal Salford was after, who would be considered "fair" taking into consideration Hock wants out?

Oh, and to the poster who took a swipe at the academy, don't worry, Savelio is a few years away from regular game time, but playing during Hocks bans will be good for him

Could Koukash de-register him and let him rot? It'd be a massive waste of money, obviously.

This latest outburst by the doc is quality they need to play with more pride when they put the salford shirt on.Is he for real how can you motive yourself playing in front of 3000 every week.I will say it again he should of bought Bradford there fan base was in place.

The operational rules according to the matter

So deregistering him is the same affect as releasing him and in the eyes of the RFL is a free agent. Of course you could "gentlemens agreement" to deregistering him and he will reject any and all offers, and Salford keep paying him. Of course that's a massive waste for Salford and just risks him leaving for free as opposed to getting a fee (even if it is unders).

Also I told a lie earlier, the maximum size a club if allowed is 65 (including academy players) - learn something new every day!

I think you'll be lucky to get top dollar for him. Too risky a player to spend big on and I doubt Salford can afford to have someone playing half d seeing out his contract. Not the way to break into the 8.

I suspect any good employment lawyer would have a field day with that one!

I'd take McCarthy-Scarsbrook as an impact forward and Percival as we still need extra cover in the back line for me.

The bloke sh*t on Wigan, despite them standing by him following his 2 year drug ban. He then turned his back on Parramatta despite signing a lucrative contract with them. We know what happened with the England squad, despite having the amazing opportunity to play in a World Cup in your own country. Then, after a 7 game ban for deliberate contact with a referee he hands in a transfer request.

I thought Salford was his last chance, I cant see many other clubs queing to pay top dollar for a player that is such a liability. It just doesn't make sense. Yes he's great a player on his day, but unfortunately those days are just to few and far between thesedays for Gareth Hock.

The bloke is a total plank in my opinion. Over rated in the extreme for his playing ability and nobody will pay a fee for him. It would be like shelling out on a dog who you know will from time to time bite people and regularly crap on the living room carpet.

At least 'HAM' has been completed at last.

Made me giggle.

But I'd say your very wrong on his playing ability, still one of the best British back rowers in the game. Also has the best ability for self induced brain farts I've ever seem.

I think we'll find it tough to replace Hock. I'm interested to know why he's handed in a request in the first place.