if we did retain him it must be on the pretense that he keeps himself fit.

The way I read that regulation is Hock can be educated or join a rehabilitation programme not that he can be the educator or be involved in running or helping with a rehabilitation program.

Even if I am wrong the key word is "authorised". Do Wigan run an authorised anti-doping or drug rehabilitation programme? Not to my knowledge.

Could they get one set up just for Hock and have it authorised? Unlikely IMO.

If Wigan [icould[/i do this and actually pay him (which of course would not count on the cap as he has been de-registered) then a two year working holiday would be a bit if a sham.

Considering the practicalities of the situation and what he has done I would be very surprised if he just simply isn't sacked.

Dave

He wont be, its already been said in a roundabout sort of way.

downward spiral for me ... without an outlet for his obvious natural aggression, he may end up in more trouble .. thus harming his chances of rehabilitation and picking up his career in 2 years time ....

I just hope that this is not an indication of a wider culture at Wigan and is just isolated to Hock.

Changing the culture of a club can be a very difficult thing to do.

True, but a club not to far away seems to be managing it.

The club has set the bar with Dave Allen... anything less than the same is hypocritical imho. Time to let him go (breach of contract and all that) and move on...

If in two years time, he's in good shape, and consents to a testing programme and wants to redeem himself to the club, fans that he has let down, and himself, and, there is a space for him at the club, I would have no problem with him returning then.

Precedent will mean nothing - in this case Hock's potential to hurt us in two years time playing for someone else is likely to result in the club's morals going out of the window.

I'm undecided on the whole thing, yes he's let us down big time, but I'm also a believer in rehabilitation. A person like Gaz may need the support of the club and a second chance in life to learn from his mistakes rather than us turning our back on him, which otherwise could result in him being lost to the game completely.

I cannot believe the criticism Hock is facing from many on here.


He did some coke.


It's not like he murdered anyone.


Bloody hell, the guy is a youngster and made a mistake. Haven't we all done that?

Give him a break.

Hes getting a break 2 years.

If that had been Fielden, Ridell, Pryce youd want them out of the club. So hes young there is no exscuse he knew the rules now he has to abide by them.

I agree 100%.

How did they set precedent with dave allen? I'm pretty sure that he was a widnes player when he got caught!