I am probably one of Lenagan's biggest critics; I do not think he has done a good job since arriving. However I think it is grossly unfair to lay any sort of blame at his door for the Gareth Hock situation.

One of Noble's first actions was to get shut of the alleged naughtiest boy at the club.

Hock is a plank, agreed.

We obviously have vastly different ideas of what is/isn't acceptable and what is good/bad leadership.

However, what is most true, is what you said here (again, we clearly have different views on how to get there) is key:

I think a lot of the "hang him high" people on here need to take stock:


1. Anyone can make a mistake.
2. If he is guilty he will serve the punishment
3. That should be the end of it.


One thing is certain imo, despite other silly posts to the contrary, Hock did not take the drug to increase his performance in RL. He did not "cheat", he (allegedly) took an illegal substance that his sport has deemed worthy of a 2 year ban if caught.


Let's not over-egg the situation.


Yes he was stupid,* Yes he has caused problems for himself and the club, but he should not be treated as a criminal.


The best RL player the world has ever seen also had a drug problem. It doesn't make either of them* a bad person.


* If indeed Hock is found guilty

I'm all for the scorched earth policy. In addition to Class A drug users, we currently have borderline alcoholics and worse in our squad at the moment. If it wasn't for the fact that they were blessed with Physical talent beyond the reach of the average man, some of them would already be resigned to spending every waking afternoon in Harry's Bar or the Vic. I am sick of what is going on at the moment, and unless the powers that be sort this out I really fear for our future.

Thankfully I'm old and daft enough not to lose much sleep over it any more as we lurch from one disaster to another. It's the kids I feel sorry for.

As for Hock, Thanks for nothing Gareth and welcome to the real world. good luck on income support and hopefully two years might be enough time to reflect on what a fool you have been when your 'friends' scamper back under the nearest rock.

You make a good point

Clubs look after one thing and thats themselfs if it was anybody else the would have been sacked. but being a top player GUESS WHAT !

It happens in every sport in the world

Whats Brown done?

Ahhh, so far off the mark....

Taking drugs IS NOT a mistake.

Ronnie Braithwaite..????? NOOOOOO Please tell me it's not true ....!!!!!!!!!

After the chaos this morning I've had a bit of time to think about it.

From a personal point of view, I presume Hock's actions have finally caught up with him and this may the first time that he will have openly admitted to taking drugs in front of his family which along with the public embarressment will be devastating for them all. They don't deserve the humiliation and I'm sure Gareth will be going through most of his punishment as we speak.

Forgetting about Rugby League and forgetting the impact it might have had on Wigan RL, I hope it's true that for his sake he is going to get some help and maybe some rehab and I wish him all the best with his recovery. To be honest, his future involvement with the club is irrelevant at the moment. Judging by reports, it seems as though he's admitted what he's done and he wants to do something about it.

Exactly and thats why i totally back him being banned for the 2 years.

Still i don't think that means he automatically shouldn't get a 2nd chance if he promises to sort his act out.