Controversial former England forward Gareth Hock is to kick start his career with Leigh Centurions in the Kingstone Press Championship.
The 31-year-old Hock has signed a contract with the Centurions to the end of 2016 – with an option in the club’s favour for a third season – three days after being released by Super League side Salford Red Devils following heart-to-heart talks with owner Marwan Koukash.
Hock, who had almost three years left on his deal with the Red Devils, says he had offers to stay in First Utility Super League from at least two clubs but wants to help the Centurions gain promotion from the Championship.
“It’s a family-run club, with a lot of passion,” Hock told a press conference at Leigh Sports Village. “It’s a rugby town like Wigan. I can’t wait to get started.”
The former Wigan favourite is the Centurions’ second high-profile recruit following their capture of former New Zealand prop Fuifui Moimoi.
He will, however, have to wait until Easter Monday to make his Centurions debut as he starts a six-match ban for deliberate use of his knees during Salford’s 52-6 home defeat by St Helens in their last match a fortnight ago.
Hock said: “I play the game with aggression and passion and sometimes things don’t go my way but I’m working on it very hard on my behaviour. I’ve got six matches off and I will work with Paul and the team.”
State of Mind would like to wish Gareth all the very best in his next career move