Gareth Hock could make an instant return to the Wigan line-up against Huddersfield on Saturday 48 hours after his drugs ban ends.
Wigan prop may go straight into the starting line-up after serving ban
Gareth Hock could make an instant return to the Wigan line-up against Huddersfield on Saturday 48 hours after his drugs ban ends.
The England international picked up a two-year suspension in 2009 after testing positive for cocaine but was given special dispensation from the RFL to resume training two months ago.
After being out of the game so long, Hock would normally make his return through the club's Under-20s team but their fixtures are on hold because of the nines tournament.
It leaves coach Michael Maguire with a dilemma over whether to change the side that beat St Helens 32-10 last Friday.
Chance
"He'll be part of the squad," Maguire told a news conference at Orrell. "Whether we go with him or not, we'll decide later in the week.
"We'll see how everybody else pulls up. He's close, there's a chance but we're also aware that the team performed pretty well on the weekend. It's about whether we're going to roll that squad around.
"It's a bit of a funny situation with no 20s so you can't blood him and I wouldn't want to put him out on loan.
"We all know what Gaz can do, it's just a matter of giving him an opportunity, whether that's this week or the next couple of weeks.
"He's done everything asked of him. He's been with us for the last couple of months and worked extremely hard, with extra sessions and all the little things to learn the new style and the way we're playing."
Hock, who recently signed a new five-year contract, has increased his size during his enforced lay-off in readiness for a move from the second row to prop and Maguire is excited at the prospect of seeing him in action for the first time.
Hunger
"I've only seen him on video but I'm well aware of what he's capable of," he added. "I know he's extremely hungry to get back in.
"What happened was unfortunate but he's done his time and he knows what he need to do to get back in the team. I'm sure in time, he's going to be a massive addition for us.
"He can play both positions and we'll find what suits him the most."
Wigan captain Sean O'Loughlin, who came through the junior ranks alongside Hock, is confident his team-mate can slot effortlessly back into the side.
"The boys are really keen for him to get back," he said. "We're looking forward to it as much as him.
"Whether that's this week or down the line, it will be just great to see him back wearing the shirt and enjoying himself.
"Just seeing him with a ball in his hands, you realise how good a player he was and he doesn't look like he's lost too much of that. I'm sure he'll slot straight back in when he gets the chance."
