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Rugby League

Hock handed two-match ban

10/10/2007

Wigan Warriors second row Gareth Hock has been given a two-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Leeds Rhinos' Matt Diskin last week.

Hock was placed on report for the suspect challenge after he lifted Diskin in the air during the two sides' play-off eliminator at Headingley Carnegie on Friday.

Leeds won the match 36-6 to knock Warriors out of this year's post-season competition and set up a grand final meeting with Super League winners St Helens at Old Trafford.

Hock has been fined £500 for his challenge by the Rugby Football League's disciplinary committee, meaning he will miss the opening match of the 2008 season.

However he will be able to count one of his match suspensions against a pre-season friendly for Wigan, rather than miss two competitive games for his club.

The talented forward was expected to be selected in the Great Britain squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand but missed out when coach Tony Smith announced the Wigan players who would be included.

The ban imposed would have meant Hock missed the first two games of the series, although it is thought his struggle for consistency and form this season - rather than the suspension - harmed his prospects.

Hock's omission means club captain Sean O'Loughlin is the only Warriors player in the GB train-on squad. Team-mate Stuart Fielden was another big-name absentee.