GARETH Hock has plenty of unfinished business with Super League which is great news for Leigh but not so for Centurions’ top flight rivals.

And the former England and Great Britain international believes the competition’s newcomers can make the grade among the game’s elite.

Hock, 33, made his last Super League appearance for Salford in a 52-6 home drubbing by St Helens on February 12, 2015.

Some feared it might have been his last when he subsequently dropped down into the Championship with Leigh.

But now Hock is back, keen to make up for lost time and revelling in life and rugby again.

“When I left Salford, I knew it was going to be tough to get back into Super League from a Championship club,” said the former Wigan and Widnes pack ace.

“But we did it last year and now we are buzzing. We have some good signings on board and with our attack I think we will do well, especially at home where we will be tough to beat.

“When I was at Salford I wasn’t really enjoying rugby but coming to Leigh gave me a new lease of life.

“I get on great with the chairman (Derek Beaumont) and he has really looked after me. I am really enjoying my rugby again.

“I definitely have a good couple of years left in me and I am really looking forward to the new season.

“We have players who can take on any Super League side and the few lads who haven’t played Super League are training well and they have got good, experienced players around them.

“We want to be pushing for the top eight because the bottom is a slog to get away from once you are in it.”

Hock, who recently announced on Twitter a 2017 wedding date for him and partner, Danielle Williams, reveals he’s never trained as hard as he does now.

“Training has upped from last season in the Championship.

“It gets harder as you get older but all the lads are enjoying it and egging each other along.”

Hock and Leigh jetted off for a week’s warm weather training in Lanzarote today (Thursday) ahead of their Battle of the Borough home friendly with Super League champions, Wigan, on January 22.

“The boys can expect some really tough sessions and we intend getting plenty of mileage into them,” said coach Neil Jukes.

“You would much rather be doing field sessions with sun on your back than in the cold and wet.

“But there will also be sufficient down time as well. We are a big new group, both playing and coaching wise, and it’s a great chance for everyone to integrate and to enhance relationships within the group.

“We are going to need such togetherness during the next nine months.”

Jukes insisted any deal to bring former Castleford winger, James Clare, to Leigh from crisis club, Bradford Bulls isn’t yet done.

The 25-year-old has reportedly signed for the top flight newcomers but Jukes maintains: “There is nothing in it.”

However, news of the Bulls’ liquidation this week could hasten the departure of a number of their assets.