Gareth Hock
comeback delayed

THURSDAY - 16th March 2006

Struggling Wigan have suffered another injury setback, with the loss of second rower Gareth Hock for a further six weeks.

The 22-year-old, who has been sidelined for 12 months with knee damage, was hoping to get the go-ahead from the specialist this week to make his comeback from a shin problem.

But the injury has not heeled as was hoped and, instead of playing for Wigan?s Under-21s at Castleford on Sunday, Hock is now likely to be out until around the middle of May.

?It is another blow for the player and for the club,? said coach Ian Millward.

?Gareth has been really unfortunate with his knee and more recently his shin.

?This is another setback for him. All we can do is give him the time he needs to make a full recovery.?

Wigan have won just one of their first five engage Super League matches and were recently rocked by the premature retirement of Great Britain full-back Kris Radlinski due to a persistent knee injury.