anyway has anybody watched the good luck video on youtube? probably the most patriotic i have felt in a long time, great video.

2008 was a disaster for England - yes, I mean the terrible performances, a scraped win against PNG, a huge defeat to Australia and 2 defeats on the bounce against NZ. Nothing good came out of it.

And I've not said this year is a disaster, but that it's in danger of becoming one. We've just had the most embarrassing defeat ever for England RL and now the much-publicised turmoil in camp. If the Aussies spank us on Saturday and we go out with a whimper again after poor performances what else can we call it.

Regardless of what rules you set in camp, players will breach them. They're young men. Whether it's as minor as a mobile phone going off during a team meeting or missing a recovery session - the response of management is key. For me, chucking a player out creates nothing but negativity in camp. We're now hearing rumours of other players unhappy at his removal and the press reaction helps add to the air of negativity, confusion, rumour and a disjointed and unhappy squad.

Had it been taken seriously but managed in a positive manner, none of this would have occurred - indeed, we would probably never have heard anything about it.

to be fair i can't see many players being to unhappy about him being punished as most would expect. heard the same stories at wigan before the season and i didn't see to many unhappy players at the end of the season

I see your point but I think social media beat them to the keeping it quiet thing.
For other things I agree. If you've seen the tour video when Phil Clarke was manager they had some forfeits for mobile phone going off but missing training, after the most embarrassing loss in the history of English rugby league is a big deal to me.
I do agree it is a severe punishment and clearly everyone, me included are being swayed by his previous form, but it is what it is.
Assuming they couldn't keep it quiet I don't think they handled it badly.
In his BBC interview he says he didn't handle the discussion with McNamara well so I can't think that went in his favour either.

Ultimately the playing performance will define how the decision is judged. If they all come out and play with a great attitude, no one will be bothered about it. If they look like a disjointed team, they will all blame it on the Hock incident.
Time will tell.

It reminds me of the Ballotelli T-Shirt "Why always me"
The answer is............"Because it's always you!"

I'd agree with this. Forefeits and fines are common in any dressing room environment. In the grand scheme of things, a mobile phone going off is no big deal.

Missing training though is different and it boils down to an issue of trust. It isn't difficult, even for someone of Gareth Hock's ability, to get out of bed on time. The other "six or seven players" were capable of realising that turning up late isn't a positive or productive thing to do, Hock was too stupid to think likewise. Only Hock is to blame for that.

The fact he can't be trusted to turn up when he is expected raises further questions of what he can and can't be trusted with. Can he be trusted not to give away a silly penalty when we're one point ahead? Can he be trusted not to swing a high shot, gouge an Australian's eyes out or push a referee? Ultimately, can he be trusted to be a positive influence within the England camp. The fact that he describes his transgression as "only missing ten mins of swimming" probably answers that question for me.

Agree 100%

Hock's account doesn't add up so I think he's been very selective of the facts.

It seems he went out drinking - with others.

He missed a morning session - no one else did.

He was called by the coach. He gave him a mouthful. No one else did.

He complains that he wasn't treated like the others - because he didn't behave like the others!

Other reports suggest that he didn't turn up on Monday night at the training camp?

Spot on.

Hock has no room for maneuvre with his behaviour, I also don't think some people are understanding how serious missing training is.

McNamara has done absolutely right in kicking him out of the squad, and if any other squad members are unhappy with that then they can join him.

As for excuse of they're young men who do daft things? Hock is 30. By the age of 30 you're supposed to have grown up a bit.

The Missus has just come home. Has zero interest in RL apart from the odd free evening it gives her.

Anyway, she thought she would tell me about some fella on the radio who has just been thrown out of the WC squad (as if I would not have know).

Anyway from she heard she was under the impression that he was none too bright.

He's not a bright boy, as for getting him to do other things, given his record for rebelling against discipline and being a team player, it's quite likely he would have ignored such an order, leading to exactly the same outcome.

But come on, who here would not be turning up early to training for such an oppertunity. He is representing his country. It should not be a chore, it should not even be a discussion, he should be there early and going home late in the hope of excelling and having his best game ever.

I don't care if it was an ID check, you get your ass there.

Hock has been dealt with correctly.

Hock says he's only done the same as the other lads 'apart from missing some of the days planned training sessions'.

So he's not done the same then and had got what he deserves. He's supremely talented but he hasn't got the brain to use it. He has never won a major trophy whilst at Wigan and that's more then a coincidence.

Agree with his punishment. Broke a major rule, missed a recovery session and a medical check up. 3 strikes... I'm pretty sure these sessions are set up for a reason and alcohol hinders recovery.

The guy is an elite athlete on the eve of what should be the pinnacle of his career. Using the excuse "well i was a bit disappointed with the result and other people were doing it, so i thought it'd be ok" isn't really acceptable. He says he's worked hard for this and is embarrassed at getting kicked out. He should be embarrassed he couldn't avoid drinking for 7 days.

Also instead of going to the management and explaining why he missed things or apologising(by what he said in the interview) he just carries on like nothing happened.
In the video he just sounds like a naughty school boy that got caught.

A rugby league player who takes takes cocaine.
A rugby league player suspended for coming into physical contact with a referee (twice in his career).
A rugby league player drinking alcohol while preparing for a big international game.

Looks like Parramatta dodged a bullet!