Tonga?

I called it on here the other day that this move would not only weaken us but potentially strengthen our rivals if any Parra players moved here.

Leeds and Hull were the 2 clubs I mentioned.

Crazy business this by Wigan...from a playing point of view anyway and that's all the fans care about.

If Hetherington is after a centre from Parramatta it's probably more to do with Folau repotedly going there and less to do with Hock. With Will Hopoate joining them in 2014 too Parra does seem the obvious place to shop for a 3/4.

It's obviously a numbers game in terms of positions but the salary cap also comes in to it. They need to find space for Folau 'and' Hock and look to be trying to offload a player or two.

If they're good players(which Tonga is if it proves to be him they offload) and end up at clubs over here, other then Wigan then we've taken a hit on 2 counts.

This Hock move could blow up in our faces in spectacular fashion if we're not careful.

It's simple, we offload him now and get some cash or we keep him here and let him start knocking about with his 'old mates'.

Win, win for both parties and hats off to Hock for having the balls to leave the club he loves, his family and so on to get rid of his demons.

I have no issues with this move 'if' that is what is motivating it but we simply must go and spend any money we receive ASAP because the squad isn't strong enough at the moment.

With Hock I thought we looked strong but lacked depth in the outside back positions...Without Hock we lack depth in the backs and the pack suddenly looks like it's got no cutting edge. We have a workmanlike pack and are a couple of injuries away from a crisis in the outside backs.

Signings are a must if Hock goes.

According to a Parra Forum the Hock deal is nailed on,but will not be announced until after the election of members for the Parra board, which is to take place in the next week.
Just another rumor though.

If we could have the right of first refusal on some Eels Centres/Props in addition to some cash, that'd suit me fine.

I see Gareth Ellis has been cleared to play in Saturdays game v France.

Had that tackle been made by Gareth Hock or Ryan Bailey the message boards would have been in meltdown calling for 10 match bans.

When there's so much talk about a "rumor" it almost definitively is true in rugby league, I have conceded to the fact we'll be losing Hock but it's all about his replacement that will determine how I feel about the whole fiasco. I think long term Jack Hughes is a strong replacement for Hock but there's no way at his current development stage he can step up and fill the gap left by Hocks immanent departure.

And if we'll only look at a replacement from over here as it seems from Lenagans comments is the only option where do we turn?

Realistic options for us are very thin on the ground. Guys like Manu and Ellis have been snapped up, Bateman has signed on at Bradford and is too young anyway. The only types of players I can think of are maybe guys at clubs like Salford, Cas or Hull KR who need the cash and there's nobody worth bothering with.

One player I do like is Danny Kirmond who with the right conditioning and coaching I feel has a lot of potential. I'm not sure the majority of Wigan fans would be over the moon with him as a replacement for Hock though.

At the end of the day though I think we know we'll stick with what we've got and save money.

I don't think we'll lose too much with Hughes / Farrell / Tuson as replacements for Hock. I was talking to someone from inside the club towards the end of last season add he said that Liam Farrell was actually the strongest player (in the gmn) at the club, which surprised me. What we would lose with Hocks running we would gain defensively and from better discipline.

My bigger concern is lack of experience, and IF we could sign a good experienced centre and prop forward I think we'd be close to trophies again next year.

Do you think we'll try for more signings Rogues?

I'm not convinced but I'd love to be wrong. I'm not overly worried about a second row but I think you've hit the nail on the head with the positions you mention. We need some cutting edge in the pack who can break tackles and some experience in the centres.

i like kirmond as well, likewise i think with a bit of work he could be a westwood a like, he's a very strong runner, i felt sorry for him getting farmed out of huddersfield, maybe its for the best for him though.

id take kirmond.

agree, an experienced prop who can crack a few heads when needed will cover hocks loss

If Hock was to leave I'd like to see us go for Larne Patrick, but I can't see that happening.