Widnes angry at Gareth Hock clause

Widnes coach Denis Betts has criticised Wigan for refusing to allow England forward Gareth Hock to play against them this weekend.

Hock is on loan from Wigan and is barred from turning out for Widnes in Saturday's game because of a clause inserted in his deal.

Betts said: "They must be afraid of him. Some clubs like to put [clauses] in but, if I let a player go on loan, I wouldn't hinder his development by saying he couldn't play against us."