Gareth Hock admits he has used the prospect of a return to the England team as motivation during his two-year drugs ban.
Returning prop already eyeing international comeback
Gareth Hock admits he has used the prospect of a return to the England team as motivation during his two-year drugs ban.
The Wigan prop returned to action in Saturday's 46-12 victory over Huddersfield after completing his suspension for cocaine use.
And the Warriors have stood by the 27-year-old, recently signing the player to a four-year deal, and Hock can now concentrate on performing well for Michael Maguire's side with an eye on an international return.
"I've thought about the Four Nations," Hock told the
Wigan Evening Post. "I want to get back to the top.
"That's my goal, to get back in to the England side. I've not spoken to Steve McNamara but a few of the Wigan lads were saying he's been asking about how I've been going.
"I know it's all up to me now. I need to impress to get in the Wigan side first and then hopefully the rest will take care of itself."
Intense
Hock says he is feeling the benefits of the stricter, more professional, regime introduced by head coach Maguire.
"I'm fitter than I've ever been," he said. "I'm fresh. The Wigan club is different now to when I left. It's just totally different.
"Training is dead intense and Madge is brilliant. He tells you everything you need to know, what you need to work on, he's brilliant. I'm loving it.
"I'm as fit as I can be, it's just game time I need because you can't emulate that, no matter what you do."
Maguire, who watched Hock in action for the very first time, was delighted with his contribution after he came on for 30 minutes in two spells.
"I thought he showed a lot of signs out there and I'm looking forward to working with him," said the Australian.
