Wigan hope for early Hock return

Hock has made 135 Super League appearances for Warriors

Wigan Warriors are hopeful that banned second-row forward Gareth Hock can resume training with them two months before his drugs ban expires.

The 27-year-old is suspended until 23 June after testing positive for cocaine after Wigan’s win over Salford in 2009.

Under the terms of the ban Hock severed all contact with Wigan but has been keeping fit with a personal trainer.

He watched Wigan’s 24-6 home defeat by Warrington last Friday from the directors’ box at the DW Stadium.

A consultation has been arranged by the Rugby Football League, in conjunction with UK Anti-Doping and the World Anti-Doping Agency, who say they will raise no objection if Adam Lewis QC rules there is nothing to be gained from preventing the player making an early return to training.

Hock signed a new contract in May 2008, keeping him at the club until 2011, but Wigan are thought to have prepared a new contract, having been impressed by his conduct during his suspension.

He played in three of England’s games at the 2008 World Cup and was a member of Great Britain’s Tri-Nations touring squad in 2006.

Wigan-born Hock came up through the club’s academy system and was named Super League’s Young Player of the Year in 2003.