Wigan's Gareth Hock given five-game ban
Gareth Hock will miss the rest of the season, and possibly the World Cup in October
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Tuesday, 29, Jul 2008 08:41
Wigan's Gareth Hock has been banned for five games and fined £500 after being found guilty of behaving 'contrary to the spirit of the game'.
The 24-year-old was found guilty of grabbing referee Ian Smith's arm during his side's 34-4 defeat to Huddersfield on July 25.
The ban means Hock may not play again for Wigan this season, and may also cost him his chance of appearing in this autumn's World Cup.
The five-game ban covers Wigan's remaining Super League fixtures against Hull, Catalans, Wakefield, Leeds and St Helens, although Hock can return for the play-offs, should the Warriors qualify.
However, England coach Tony Smith may be reluctant to select a player who will be so short of match practice for October's World Cup.
Hock has made just 13 appearances for Wigan this season, and this suspension is his second of the campaign.
He missed the first two matches after being punished for a dangerous throw in the final game of the 2007 season, was ruled out for another six weeks with a broken thumb and sat out England's win over France in June with a hamstring injury.