Quote: Vinty the Great "Silly to compare Hock and Tickle IMO. They are both top players, but play completely different games. if you're looking for a devastating wide runner, then Hocks your man. If you're looking for a hard working grafter who will do the hard yards, then Hock most definitely is NOT your man. Tickle is. Solid pro and a great kicker. Be great to have both at Widnes next season and not completely ruled out the possibility ... yet.'"
Our only hope VtG would seem to be if Salford baulk at Wigan's asking price (who knows the deal might already be done!). Wigan will be doubly brassed off with Hock if he backs out of the Parramatta deal and they dont find anyone (acceptable to them) who will meet their asking price.
We could end up with a mini Suarez/Rooney/Bale scenario, where the clubs who would pay £150k Warrington/St Helens maybe are not clubs Wigan would want to sell to. We cant afford the cash I dont think (well not the fee and the contract), but we would be happy for another loan year. I would have thought that despite all their investment in players Salford would still be regarded as the level of club Wigan would sell to.
So we are way down the food chain, almost as though everything else has to fall through before we get the chance to loan him again! I suppose there is an outside chance that the new Board might feel able to make a bid, but £150k + contract is a lot to find when we need to strengthen the squad significantly.
Wigan on the other hand may have got to the stage where they just want it sorted and dont care any more if they sell to an immediate rival!