While Hock has been away he has been working closely with the community as well as working hard on bettering himself in his education and rehabilitation. Lenegan said that unless Hock actively turned his life around then Wigan would not be interested, but did say if Hock wants to change and work hard on becoming a better person in and outside of the sport then Lenegan and Wigan would support him.

I think it is great that he has worked hard to turn himself around from where he was and i think it's amazing that the club just hasn't left him to rot. Cocaine is a recreational drug that A LOT of people use. And drug abuse can stem from many different reasons and it is naive and a little heartless to neglect and not show support to those who WANT to rehabilitate.
Hock has done this and Wigan have supported him, his 5 year contract show's not only his commitment to giving back to the club that stuck with him, but Wigan's confidence and trust they have put in him to sticking to his new life.

my thoughts are that he has obviously been training with the club when he shouldnt have been (in some capacity)

no one in their right mind would offer a 5 year contract to a player who has been out of the game for so long without seeing them in regular action.

Can't agree that Hock was 'average'. He's probably the most dynamic British forward around apart from Sam Burgess. If he gets back his previous form (even including penalties and dropped ball) he'd walk into any other SL side. If he can get rid of the mistakes he could be a world-class forward.

I'm not sure about a 5-year deal, but I also don't have a problem with clubs showing loyalty to players who make mistakes but sort themselves out. Leeds did the same with Walker and Bailey, and I'd rate Hock's offence as far less serious than assault.

No he's not but he's been training with an ex army guy doing lots of fitness

I'm telling you the guy is a beast he put quite a bit of weight on and once he's settled back in will be one of the top props in the league

I imagine that would be almost impossible. Think of all the people who might spot him - fans, journalists, club employees, gym-goers, etc, etc...if word got out the ban would at the very least be upheld to the full, and you'd probably see fines against the club, an extension of the ban, etc... Besides, it's pretty common knowledge who he's been training with for quite some time.

As for the 5-year contract, I agree it's a gamble, though I have faith in Leneghan. Hock was a devastating player when on form and if he's matured and calmed those brain-farts as he's been learning to do, he'll could be outstanding. Still, I agree it's a long contract to offer a returning player - but then several other clubs (including NRL iirc) were also after him so perhaps it's worth tying him up long-term. I'm sure there are clauses to protect the club if things go wrong.

Who gives a monkeys about what some randoms non-rl friends think? For all we know they could have been stoned on dried banana skins when they gave their opinions.

For what it's worth - a friend of my auntie's thought it was great news!

Many other sports have far more significant things to be ashamed about, but are still far more popular than RL will ever be.

Good luck to the lad - he worked hard while he was away, looks to have sorted himself out both on and away from the training field, will be subject to regular checks in the future, and if he steps out of line his looooooooooong 5 year contract will be ripped up.