HGH is performance enhancing, which is a year-round no-no. "Recreational" drugs are only illegal in-competition.

Of course Gareth Hock was prone to moments of sheer stupidity, but you have to remember he was in a poor side that was poorly coached. We were famous for one man rugby. No dummy runners, no runners off the ball, poor formations and structures.

And was still a regular selection for GB/England, despite that.

Hock is still awaiting clearance to start training. The club are still awaiting a date for a hearing to get clearance from wada

Exactly. He's a game winner, I'd have him in the squad even if he played like he did before he was banned. And I'm sure under Madge's tuition he'll be even better than that.

I'd accept the criticism that he doesn't fit into our new style of play if that was the case if he was actually back yet and played like he didn't. But we aren't professional coaches and I'm very sure they will have accepted his style of play is different to our current one.

Let's just remember in a few months we're going to have a forward back that was one of the best in the league 2 years ago. Is that really that bad?

I gather its nearly time for his return but is he coming back to Wigan? Just wondered as it seems to have gone quiet on him.

Yes, wigan are just working on getting the OK for him to start training with the squad.

He should bring some fire into our pack!

Him and Hoffman will run riot!

How can they afford him on salary cap though?

Because they left room, anticipating the deal beforehand...

Hoffman isn't a run riot kind of player though, he is hard working and hits hard.

Hock will come on the field and give us instant impact and I'm sure he can win us alot of pens.

We are paying him in tesco clubcard vouchers.

Iv'e got some old Green Shield stamps knocking around if that helps ?

There's a meeting next Wednesday to make the decision as to whether he can resume training with the club, no aparent reason why he shouldn't be given permission surely?

Welcome back big fella.

Confirmed here www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... _1_3230145

Confirmed here www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... _1_3230145

I can see where they're coming from with the argument, and if there has been a precedent set, its hard to ignore, but personally i think his 2 year ban should include training as well, or we'll just creep to a point where any banned player will just train alongside his "teammates" for the duration of their ban.
We need to make sure young players (and fans) know this behaviour is unacceptable and it will ruin your life and your career.

SS,
I can see your point, but I don't think it will get to the point of being allowed to train with the team full time for the ban.
It looks as though there is some kind of two month ruling in place.

Either way, I'm happy to go with the independent judgement.

Most of you on here no i'm no troll, but to me it would be the start of a slippery slope and send the wrong message to young people, players or not. (Christ i'm getting old!)

3 post troll, probably an alias for a Wire fan who couldnt seriously post a comment about the cap given their squad.

You are certainly no troll, and I am totally anti drugs.
I think everyone on here will accept next weeks ruling so I don't see it as going down a slippery slope.
Without knowing the whole story (who was the football player, and was there also a Rugby Union player?) then we are probably guessing at the outcome anyway.

Just let the hearing decide. No great drama either way.

Quote ="Rogues Gallery"You are certainly no troll, and I am totally anti drugs. I think everyone on here will accept next weeks ruling so I don't see it as going down a slippery slope. Without knowing the whole story (who was the football player, and was there also a Rugby Union player?) then we are probably guessing at the outcome anyway. Just let the hearing decide. No great drama either way.'" i found this: www.soccer-training-info.com/soc ... _drugs.asp I cant see who the precedent was but I'm guessing some are missing. This page does show how harshly Hock was treated in some ways though some of those guys got 7 months for Coke. Suspect it was the player who isnt named on this: www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... -test.html

Quote ="Rogues Gallery"You are certainly no troll, and I am totally anti drugs. I think everyone on here will accept next weeks ruling so I don't see it as going down a slippery slope. Without knowing the whole story (who was the football player, and was there also a Rugby Union player?) then we are probably guessing at the outcome anyway. Just let the hearing decide. No great drama either way.'" i found this: www.soccer-training-info.com/soc ... _drugs.asp I cant see who the precedent was but I'm guessing some are missing. This page does show how harshly Hock was treated in some ways though some of those guys got 7 months for Coke. Suspect it was the player who isnt named on this: www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... -test.html

superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=21585

superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=21585

Cant wait see him back in a Wigan shirt