Wigan forward Gareth Hock could have his season ended by suspension after he was charged with gouging.
Wigan forward may could be banned for the rest of the season
Wigan forward Gareth Hock could have his season ended by suspension after he was charged with gouging by the Rugby Football League.
The 28-year-old was charged with the grade E offence, which carries a suspension of between four and eight matches, for an incident during his side's 39-12 Super League defeat by Warrington on Sunday.
Hock, who is just over two months into a return from a two-year drugs ban, was placed on report by referee Richard Silverwood for allegedly punching Warrington forward Ben Harrison in the closing moments of a fiery contest at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
He has been charged with that minor offence, which carries a maximum penalty of a one-match ban, but will also face the RFL's disciplinary committee on Tuesday on the more serious charge of gouging.
Hock, who was banned for five matches in 2008 for grabbing the arm of a referee, could miss the Warriors' final league game and up to four play-off ties, including the October 8 Grand Final, if he is found guilty.
Warnings
Hock was cited by the RFL's match review panel, which also issued warnings to two of his team-mates.
Jeff Lima, man of the match in Wigan's Challenge Cup final win over Leeds, was warned for pulling the hair of Warrington winger Matt King, while full-back Sam Tomkins was found guilty of using his feet on Jon Clarke as the Warrington hooker was scoring a try.
Castleford full-back Ryan McGoldrick will also be facing the disciplinary panel after being charged with striking Hull half-back Sam Obst during his side's 50-18 defeat on Saturday.
McGoldrick is facing a grade B offence, which carries a ban of one or two matches, and would be a major loss for the Tigers in their upcoming winner-takes-all clash with Hull KR for the last play-off spot.
The match review panel issued other warnings to Salford centre Sean Gleeson and Hull KR hooker Josh Hodgson.
