Wigan Warriors' Gareth Hock banned for rest of season
Last updated on .From the section Rugby League
Wigan Warriors forward Gareth Hock will miss the rest of the season after being handed a five-match suspension.
The England international was found guilty of gouging during Sunday's 39-12 Super League defeat by Warrington.
The grade E offence carries a ban of between four and eight games, and the Rugby Football League's disciplinary panel imposed the minimum punishment.
Hock, 28, was also given a one-match ban for punching Warrington forward Ben Harrison and fined £300.
The former Great Britain international only returned to the game two months ago after completing a two-year drugs ban for taking cocaine.
Hock missed out on selection for Wigan's Challenge Cup final win over Leeds, but has impressed in their last two league games.
Warriors complete their Super League season at home to Crusaders on Friday and then hope to progress through the play-offs and defend the title they won last season after beating St Helens in the Grand Final.
Hock's suspension effectively ends any hope he had of regaining his England place for the Four Nations Series.
