WHITEHAVEN have signed the former Blackpool Panthers half-back Martin Gambles.

The experienced Gambles is Cup-tied and won’t be in the squad for Monday’s Challenge Cup clash at Wigan but is likely to be included for the next National One game at Batley a week on Sunday.

Coach Ged Stokes said: “He’s always been a good little player in a poor team and I think it will be interesting to see how he goes with better players around him.

“I’ve always liked the look of him on the field and I’m pleased that he’s agreed to join us.”

Gambles, an Irish international, is Cup-tied this week-end but will be in contention for a place in the squad at Batley.

“That’s a big game for us because they won at the Recreation Ground and we want to put the record straight. It’s important we get something from that game,” says Stokes.

First on the agenda, however, is Monday’s Challenge Cup game at the JJB Stadium.

The Super League giants have just announced that Great Britain international forward Gareth Hock has signed a further one year extension to his current contract that will see him stay with the Warriors until the end of 2011.

Hock is a product of the club’s successful scholarship programme and his new contract will take him past his 28th birthday having made his debut for the Club in 2003 when he burst onto the scene and collected the Super League Young Player of the Year Award at the prestigious Man of Steel ceremony.

Speaking about the contract extension Wigan chairman and owner Ian Lenagan said: "Gareth is proof again of the great talent that comes from the Wigan area and we are very pleased that he will be with us for another three and a half years."

Head Coach Brian Noble added: "It was always a pleasure working with Gareth when I was Great Britain Coach and when I joined Wigan that admiration has grown. He is a tough, resilient player who wears his heart on his sleeve and is also a very good footballer. He really compliments our pack well."

Hock said: "I am a Wigan lad and I love playing for my home town club. I am aiming to have a good second half to the season with the hope of helping Wigan to a final and being selected for England in the World Cup."

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