The Bench with Jenna and Jon

Huddersfield Giants' Sam Halsall joins Jenna and Jon for this week's episode of The Bench. Sam talks about his newly-signed contract extension, how he's trying to become a better barista and offers up a thought on Wembley Stadium in 'On and Off the Bench'.

Leeds Rhinos chief executive, Gary Hetherington joins Jenna, Jon and Sam Tomkins on this week's episode of The Bench. Gary gives his views on the current state of rugby league in Britain and what he thinks the future looks like for the Rhinos.

Jenna and Jon are joined by Wigan Warriors chairman, professor Chris Brookes on this week's episode on The Bench.'Doc' shares stories from his 30 years in rugby league including a couple of brilliant tales from Great Britain's tour of Australia in 2006. Plus, he tells us how understanding of head injuries has changed over the decades and what he has to do now in his role as chairman.

Salford Red Devils hooker, Cade Cust is Jenna and Jon's guest this week. Cade tells us about how head coach, Paul Rowley is helping to inspire the side to prove their doubters wrong and the importance of having a good attitude in training - even when you might not be in the starting 13.Plus, listen out for Jenna's 'Off The Bench' idea to get more celebrities along to Super League games... Margot Robbie at Castleford anyone?!

Jenna and Jon are joined by Hull KR coach, Shaun Kenny-Dowall for this week's episode.Shaun tells us how his move from playing into coaching has gone and how targets and standards are increasing at the Robins. Plus, listen out for some cracking answers to the quickfire questions!

St Helens second row, Joe Batchelor is Jenna and Jon's guest this week. Joe tells us about how he has had to be patient to break into the Saints team and how James Roby continues to inspire the squad.Plus, listen out for Jon's hilarious story about meeting singer, Heather Small!

Wigan Warriors duo Abbas Miski and Harry Smith are Jenna and Jon's guests this week, just a few days after they beat Penrith to become club world champions!

Jenna and Jon are joined by the newest addition to Sky Sports' Rugby League coverage, Sam Tomkins.Following his retirement at the end of last season, Sam speaks about life after league, including being mistaken for a famous celebrity fighter, and tells us about the upcoming documentary which delves into the end of his playing career.

Salford Red Devils back, Ryan Brierley is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.Ryan speaks about Salford's realistic aims for the 2024 Super League season, his personal ambitions and his relationship with head coach, Paul Rowley.Plus, 'Set of Six' and 'On the Bench, Off the Bench' are back for another week!

Jenna and Jon are back for another season, and their first guest of 2024 is Leigh Leopards' new signing, Matt Moylan.Matt tells us about his move to the UK from Cronulla in Australia, how he's getting used to wearing leopard print clothing and how he's looking forward to hearing the chants of English crowds.Plus, as 'On the Bench, Off the Bench' makes its return there's also the debut of a new feature - 'Set of Six'.

Jenna and Jon are back to take a look back on the first full season of The Bench.Amongst the highlights are Kyle Amor's revelation that he's ridden an ostrich, Sam Tomkins' excellent 'Off the Bench' idea to introduce lie detectors into rugby league and Dan Sarginson's plea to bring back streakers!Thanks for listening to The Bench with Jenna and Jon in 2023 and we'll be back in the New Year!

Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin are joined by Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet ahead of the Grand Final against Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford.Looking at the in and outs behind coaching at the top level, Matt reveals the key findings he’s made in his career, as well as why his personality matches with who he is as a coach. Purpose and culture are also discussed and does he have a future in the NRL?

Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin are joined by Kyle Amor and Jodie Cunningham this week on the day of the Women's Super League Grand Final.Kyle talks passionately about Cumbrian rugby league and his plans to grow the sport in his home county, while Jodie discusses how London and Cardiff could be key areas to help grow the women's game.Plus, there are more ideas for things we want to see more of and less of on 'On The Bench, Off The Bench'.

Barrie McDermott steps in for Jon this week as he and Jenna are joined by Salford head coach Paul Rowley. They discuss his nomination for Super League Coach of the Year, the challenges he faces at the club, and Brodie Croft's future. They also reflect on how the game has changed over the years, and Paul explains the story behind an amusing photoshoot from his playing days!Plus, this week's 'on the bench, off the bench' debate includes a 'creative' idea to improve the standard of refereeing!

Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin are joined by former Leeds Rhinos forward, Danika Priim who discusses social media slogans and reveals a tattoo which leaves Jon reeling! Plus, Danika chats about her move into the media and there are some 'interesting' ideas put forward in 'On The Bench, Off The Bench'.

Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin are joined by Warrington Wolves' George Williams as he discusses what it's like to be a dad, his time in the NRL with Canberra and how it came to an end, and what to expect from Warrington moving forward.

Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin are joined by St Helens centre, Konrad Hurrell to discuss everything from his family life at home in Tonga to his food guilty pleasures. Plus there's a pretty epic edition of 'On the Bench, Off the Bench' that cannot be missed!

This week Jenna and Jon are joined by Dan Sarginson who makes his second appearance on the podcast! The trio catch up with Dan on how retirement is going, discuss the benefits of yoga and meditation and why it's not always good to be known as 'the rugby player'. Jenna also reveals how her number one broadcasting rule was put to the test by Wigan's Liam Byrne.

This week Jenna and Jon are joined by Director of Operations and Legal for the Rugby Football League, Rob Hicks. The trio look over the role of a referee and reflect on Rob's officiating experiences. Would the game be more interesting if referees were mic'd up? And what kind of conversations go on amongst officials and players?

This week Jenna and Jon are joined by the legendary Australian commentator Andrew Voss. They discuss his brief stint in a band, his second career in the scented candle business and alternative names for rugby league! Plus Jon has his say on the quality of fans' chants and the panel debate the best way to eat a pie!

This week on The Bench, Jon and Jenna are joined by Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont. The trio discuss a variety of topics including Derek's forward approach with leopard print branding and pre-match entertainment, as well as his hopes for Leigh this season ahead of the Challenge Cup final.

This week Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin are joined by Catalans Dragons' Sam Tomkins. They discuss his imminent retirement, the legacy he'll leave behind, and his life in France. Plus Jon quizzes Sam on his famous beard and there are some creative suggestions to freshen up the sport - including lie detectors and trips to space!

Ben Westwood joins Jon and the returning Barrie McDermott on The Bench this week to discuss life after retirement, picking fights with the opposition, awkward text messages you wish you'd never sent and selfies with fans.

This week Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin are joined by Adrian Morley - the only British player to win both NRL and Super League Grand Finals. They discuss his reputation for tough tackling, the risks involved in the game and players faking injuries. Plus Jenna has her say on drinks queues at stadiums and Jon has some unique ideas to spice up the game!

With no Jon this week, Jenna is joined by Barrie McDermott and Hull FC's Scott Taylor. The trio discuss the art of making a good tackle and name the players they find hardest to tackle. Scott also gives an update on his fitness, as well as looking at what life holds for him after the game.

Jenna and Jon were joined this week by the only player to win consecutive Man of Steel awards (and Jon's aunt's heart) Paul Sculthorpe...We discuss the time he went round Richard Branson's house to discuss terms, the infamous Saints-Wigan Good Friday fight back in 2004 and whether salary caps are a good thing for the game.

Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin are joined by Barrie McDermott at Magic Weekend in Newcastle for the latest episode of The Bench. We discuss dealing with social media criticism and whether a UK version of the State of Origin could work. Is a Lancashire vs Yorkshire series viable?

Jon Wilkin is joined by Courtney Winfield-Hill this week to find out what it's like being an Australian who ends up representing England and to discover how she has adjusted to life in Yorkshire. Plus, Courtney gives her opinions on how the Women's Super League can grow and try to compete with the NRLW.

With Jenna still away, Barrie McDermott joins Jon to chat with special guest Stevie Ward about the mentality of a top level rugby league player and how dealing with pain becomes part of the game. Marathon beers are also on the agenda and the boys answer the age old question, which animal would be the worst to enter a rugby league pitch?

On Mental Health Awareness Week, Dan Sarginson joins Jenna and Jon to discuss his career and decision to retire. The trio take a closer look into the importance and understanding of mental health issues within the game, and how people may be suffering in silence.

Gareth Ellis joins Jon and Jamie Jones-Buchanan (while Jenna's away) to discuss 4G pitches, shoulder pads, tight kits, longevity in sport and what it takes to be an elite player.

Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin are joined by Mitchell Pearce on the latest episode of The Bench. The Catalans Dragons stand-off talks about the differences between playing in Super League to NRL and how he deals with pressure and criticism. Plus, Jon reveals his true feelings towards groundsmen and Jenna's hoping for a trip to Las Vegas!

This week Jon Wilkin is joined by England captain Jodie Cunningham and Sky Sports' Barrie McDermott. They debate whether cats or dogs make better pets, what it takes to be a great leader, and which superheroes would make the best rugby league players. They also discuss players' celebrations and ask whether there needs to be more emotion within the game.

Jon Wells steps in for Jon Wilkin on The Bench this week. Jenna Brooks is also joined by Keighley Cougars' Luke Gale as they talk hair transplants, rediscovering a love for the game, the salary cap and rugby league players switching codes.

Shaun Kenny-Dowall joins Jenna and Jon on The Bench this week to discuss his life and future at Hull KR, why a Tim Tam beats a Penguin, and how much he loves a chip and chase.

Kevin Brown joins Jenna and Jon this week to run through his career highlights, whether stadiums should have names, what it's like to play for your country and the best prank he's played on a team-mate.

Jenna and Jon are joined this week by Leeds Rhinos wheelchair rugby league coach, James Simpson to discuss all things mustaches, the growth of the sport and meeting royalty after England's World Cup success.

York Valkyrie and England winger Kelsey Gentles joins Jenna and Jon at Sky Sports HQ this week to talk about pregnancy, name changes and whether protein shakes and leg-tattoos are good or bad for the game.

This week, former St Helens prop and proud Cumbrian Kyle Amor joins Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin to discuss how representing his county helped him rediscover his love of the game, his new life after leaving full-time rugby, and tackle questions in our new feature 'Off The Bench, On The Bench'.

Danny McGuire joins Jenna and Jon on The Bench to discuss what it's like to be a 'legend', the rivalry that existed between Leeds and Saints and which coaches shaped his career.

On this week's episode of The Bench, Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin are joined by Betfred Super League star and reigning Man of Steel Brodie Croft. The Australian half-back gives us the inside track on how his career has been revitalised at Salford Red Devils, why he believes the team can shake up Super League's established order, and reveals all on his early years growing up on an ostrich farm in rural Queensland...

Welcome to The Bench with Jenna and Jon!In this first episode, Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin are joined by Frank Slevin, the Chair of Rugby League Commercial to chat about the upcoming men's, women's and wheelchair Super League seasons. Jon's done his research and asks Frank about 'the frog in the well' - all will become clear, we promise!Then Jon gets a chance to prove how much he's learned about Wakefield's new head coach - Mark Applegarth. How will he get on in his first season in charge of Trinity, and how does he feel about his team being tipped as favourites to be relegated?

Welcome to The Bench with Jenna and Jon!Each week, Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin will be chatting all things rugby league and speaking to the big names in Super League and beyond. Make sure you subscribe to catch all the latest episodes.