Could he really improve like that though? Surely they already train really hard, the difference is now he can't play week in week out, he can't train with his team mates, he won't be fighting for a position in a team and he won't have anyone watching to see if he's slacking. I'd be suprised if he came back as good as he is now.

I don't think keeping him on would be in Hock's interest, or the clubs. Maybe a couple of years completely away from the game, having to earn a basic living doing a basic job might make him seriously think about what he has thrown away, and give him a chance to come back a better player and a better person. Working a 40 hour week, and then training in the evenings might concentrate his mind!

I was optimistic if I'm being honest. I dont know what's going to happen but I have a feeling this could be the end for Hock and we wont see him after his 2 year ban.

Obviously clubs will be keeping an eye on him and want him after the 2 years, but it all depends if Hock has the motivation and desire to come back and prove something.

It was his Nose I assume!

I don't think he is allowed to have any contact with the sport of Rugby League for two years.

I'm almost certain that when the RFL signed up to the Anti drug council rulings that was the ruling.

I genuinely feel sorry for the guy. We all make mistakes and two years is a serious punishment for what he has done. Also it doesn't only impact him, but also his family. I am not questioning the punishment because you can see the need, if we are to stamp out drugs in sport, but that shouldn't stop us for having some compassion for guy.

I also think it needs to be put in perspective. I see guys in our sport who have gone and gotten drunk and beaten somebody half to death, or assaulted orther peopele and not received near the extent of punishment. I would hate to see the guy pilloried by the fans. I think we should support him as much as we can.

Sure he is stupid, but also he is young, and hopefully will become a better man for it. I hope he can resurrect his career, later on, and find a way of supporting his family. I wish him and his family the best of luck.

Hocks contract will almost certainly be annulled, I would guess that any anti-drugs policy agreement in the contract has been breached which is an immediate dismissal in sport I would guess.

He's gone I think, thats the end of it, he'll pop up in 2 years at Cas or some mid table team willing to give him a second chance, and I'm willinfg to give him a second chance once he's served his time, everyone makes mistakes, sadly, in this case it's cost him big time.

What happens when Hock's contract is terminated, does that immediately free up his chunk of the salary cap for the remainder of the season?

Done the crime, now do the time and come back in two years.
Hopefully he'll have learned his lesson.

Would I have him back at Wigan?

Yes, he would deserve a second chance, but on a vastly reduced and performance based contract.

I agree. He would find it very frustrating IMO to be hanging around the club unable to train or play.

In any case he has tested positive for a component of Cocaine so I just do not see how he is employable in the sort term until he has proven he is clean. You can hardly employ him on some sort of community program until he is in the clear regarding his drug use. That won't happen overnight.

In any case if what Rouges has posted is correct about him having no involvement at all with the sport for two years it's a moot point as the club simply could not employ him if they wanted to.

Dave

It is a difficult question really, will Wigan want Hock back, and will Hock want to come back?

I guess much will depend on how he spends his two years out of the game.

Whether the ban for cocaine use is harsh or not, everyone knows the punishment they will receive if caught. Therefore, I can't see how anyone can feel sorry for him.

He's thrown away two of the best years of his career and possibly his entire career. I feel sorry for him in that the guy has made a massive mistake which he is going to have to live with for the rest of his life.

Having said all that though, sympathy can't affect the decision here: I don't think Wigan should give him a second chance. He should never play for the club again.

He's not on his own... news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 137680.stm

He's not on his own... news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 137680.stm

That's how I feel.