ANDY Gaffney revealed Gareth Hock turned offers from Super League clubs to join Barrow Raiders for the 2019 Betfred Championship season.

The former Great Britain and England international forward had been linked with a move to Hull FC and held talks with promoted Championship side Bradford Bulls as well.

But Hock, who spent the 2018 season with Featherstone Rovers, has opted to move to Craven Park instead after being sold on rugby director Gaffney and chairman Steve Neale's vision for Barrow.

"He's turned down some really big clubs to come here and at least two of them were Super League clubs," said Gaffney.

"They had deals on the table, but we've managed to get him to Barrow. We think he'll be a real leader on the field and off the field.

"He was enthused about the Papua New Guinea players we've signed and he could see what we're doing here. It's all positive moving forward, it's all going in the right direction and it's quite exciting times for all of the Barrow supporters.

"He's probably the biggest signing we've had I can remember. Everyone knows who Gareth Hock is and his presence at Barrow is big for the club all round."

Hock's attitude and winning mentality impressed Gaffney too, and he believes the 35-year-old's Super League and international experience will prove invaluable for Barrow's young players.

"He's got a lot of international and club experience, and they're all top-drawer clubs he's been at," said Gaffney. "His attitude is that of a winner as well.

"I think it takes Barrow to the next level. These are the sort of players we can attract now, which we haven't been able to do for years."