I'm not sure that anyone is suggesting we simply 'bin off' all the 'smackheads and other general drug taking scum' as you put it. Our country seeks to assist these people before binning them off, so why should Gaz Hock be treated any differently?

In addition, I don't think anyone feels sorry for Hock. He's an adult and, as he admits, he made the decision himself to take drugs. What I am saying, however, is that if he backs up his words with actions, then I don't see why he should be subjected a life of condemnation.

If it had been a player that the fans didn't really like, would the everyone be condoning the same lets stick by him crap, i don't think so, so why should Hock be any different

Well said, Gaz has lost the respect of a lot of fans, Maybe if he comes back drug and free a better player in Two years maybe that will earn some way to getting back fans respect.

Well, we don't know that because it's not happened yet. I prefer to deal in facts rather than impossible predictions and second guesses.

Clearly im looking at it with Wigan specs on as I care about Wigan. I dont "care" per se about the random smackheads etc but they have nothing to do with my life, neither does Hock, but he plays for Wigan, whose interests im discussing.

Of course it will. It's a human nature thing. People always gain respect from realising their mistakes and turning their lives around, and why not?

Back to the articles.

He went to a BBQ, it would appear to have been on Wednesday before the Salford game, got full of ale and "coke"

Did Wigan train on Thursday? If he was as "weak" as he says he felt, should anyone at the club have noticed?

Are Rugby Laegue clubs in general doing enough internal testing?

Or is it not in their interests?

Some lads can drink a gut full of booze and still train the house down, a good mate of mine was a top National League player, never had the pace to be a Sl player but was very good in that league, he used to go out and get absolutely battered the day prior to a game often not getting any sleep and still turn in a good performance the day after in the match, i guess its all about personal limits, i could never drink the day prior to a match and perform.

Regards internal testing never come across it, i feel it is either a case of burying heads in the sand at a top level within the club or as you say against there own self interest, until it affects one of the top players like it has with us.

Get a grip............ever thought he only told paper what he wanted them to know?

''who can do the most lines?''

So you don't think he's recognised the mistake he's made?

As I said, IF what he says about getting himself sorted is true then I wouldn't have a problem with him being back at Wigan in 2 years.

Most stupid statement ever!

Thats ironic coming from you.

It funny how hock thinks hes been given a 2 year ban becuase he is an england player when the rules are set in stone no matter what level of player you are