Quote: SomersetSaint "I agree entirely that the best form of control is self control, and part of Wigan's success came from players like Betts who were true professionals, helped by the likes of Tuigamala and Robinson who had other reasons for not drinking. I can't think of too many players with the professionalism of a Betts in the game now, which is odd considering they are all full time professionals, maybe with just too much spare time on their hands?
But I disagree that there is nothing that clubs can do about players who go out getting sloshed. Tony Smith was apparently really tough on this at Leeds, and is doing the same at Warrington. Why not have a code of conduct that says players must not drink for 2 or 3 days before a game? If they don't like it, they don't get a contract.
There is a drinking culture within the game, not just at Wigan, although I think it has been a problem there for a few years now, but equally at the likes of Warrington, and also at Saints. Maybe the Hock debacle is a good opportunity for Wigan to lead the way, and insist on greater professionalism from its players?'"
Good post, I think you are spot on here. I have to say this incident has really got me wondering about some of the poor performances at Wigan. I would hate to think that it caused by a culture of partying and off the field antics - aka Hock. I really hope this is not the case, because if it is management better do something pronto, or I suspect people will not be renewing their season tickets.
