He also genuinely intimidates opponents and that is a biggy in RL. He is as tough as nails but is very skilful too. Most forwards have one or the other but not both.

Completely agree. There are some great backrowers in our game, Ellis and Westwood for example but none of them have the skill sets that Gaz does. He seems to have really cut down on the brain farts and is a real handful, hard as nails and a real nasty streak that opponents fear. Just the type of player we need to give some to the Aussies.

Perhaps.

I guess the point I was making is that I think over the next 3 years he will improve to the extent that there will be clear water between him and the rest.

I did smile when it was mooted on here that he should/would become a prop......

The guy is probably the most natural second row we have had in a long time.

Gaz is by far the best second row forward in super league and ive always said he would kill the Aussie league they would love him hes off loads would be lapped up by the strong fast paced backs of the Aussies, I always say Shaun Edwards in hes pomp would of had a field day with Gaz Hocks off loads because Edwards was the best support player ive ever witnessed at Wigan, Back to Gaz just hope we can keep him at the DW

I think the "brainfarts" he had before his ban was down to the fact he was trying to force the pass as our attack was downright pathetic at times. I think when we were struggling at times he tried to take it upon himself to make things happen, although it didnt come off.

For the record i think he's the best second rower in the country, hits the hardest, runs the hardest and has brillant skills to match up. TBH, i dont think we fully utilise Hocks offload ability, i'd love to see Sam on his shoulder 99% of the time he has the ball in his hands.

I can't stand the man....BUT...Bloody hell what a season he's having so far!!
Fair play to Gareth for coming back bigger and stronger.