Smith hands Hock big chance

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The 25-year-old back-rower, who missed both the start and finish of the regular Super League season through suspension, will be in the starting line-up for Saturday's opening match against Papua New Guinea at the Dairy Farmers' Stadium, England coach Tony Smith announced on Wednesday.

"He's showed a lot of maturity this year and I'd like to reward him with a start. I think he will do a fantastic job and will really trouble the Kumuls. He's a logical choice," he said.

Hock was unavailable for Great Britain's Test series against New Zealand a year ago having been handed a two-match ban for a dangerous tackle.

And he missed Wigan's last five Super League games after being suspended for grabbing the arm of referee Ian Smith during their 34-4 home defeat by Huddersfield in July.

The player expressed his remorse and Smith, speaking on arrival at the team's Townsville hotel, is confident that Hock is now a reformed character and deserves a second chance, especially after impressing during the Warriors' play-off campaign.

"I admire the way he's played at the back end of this year," added Smith.

"I've put him under a bit of pressure to come in and buy into our systems and he's been prepared to make some sacrifices and adjustments to the way he's acted in the past."