Wigan Warriors and England forward Gareth Hock will miss the start of the new Super League season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

The 29-year-old back rower missed the Warriors’ pre-season training camp in Florida before Christmas after having the operation following England’s autumn internationals. Yet the injury was kept under wraps until today.

“Gareth will be out for at least six weeks of the new season,” coach Shaun Wane told the Wigan Evening Post. “We’re fortunate that we have a number of talented second rowers in the squad.”