The Bench with Jenna and Jon

Sam Tomkins is back with Jenna and Jon to look ahead to the Grand Final! But now you know the result, will their predictions have come true? Sam also updates us on his playing future, and we have our final (possibly!) 'on and off' the bench of the season.

Just before Hull KR's play-off semi final, Jenna and Jon sat down with their captain Elliot Minchella for The Bench.They discuss being a leader, being yourself and Elliot's unusual route to the top of Super League.

Former England captain and Catalans Dragons' Sam Tomkins is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon. Sam reviews his season with Catalans, who missed out on the top 6 and the Superleague playoffs. He also discusses his own playing future and if a second retirement is imminent.

Former Warrington star and soon to be St Helens assistant coach Lee Briers is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.Lee talks about his experiences in the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos, what he has learned while coaching some of the world's best players and what his hopes are for St Helens when he joins the club as an assistant coach for the 2025 Super League season.

Luke Robinson joins Jenna and Jon on this week's episode of The Bench, to discuss his appointment as Huddersfield Giants' Head Coach on a permanent basis. Luke is open and honest about the challenges of recruiting and retaining players, and he explains about his 'will to win' - especially at snakes and ladders!

Former England and Wigan second-row and now head coach of Wigan Warriors Women, Denis Betts is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.Denis chats about his playing career which included leading England out for a World Cup final at Wembley, and how a new approach to fitness gave his side the edge in the 1990s.Plus, Denis describes how he's taken to his new role as the head coach of Wigan's women's side and how a back to basics approach has improved their game.

Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.With Rovers enjoying a successful season, Paul tells us how they're already planning for 2026 and explains some of the processes behind their player recruitment.Plus, Paul talks about his close working relationship with head coach Willie Peters and reveals his love of flip-flops!

Former England captain and Super League legend Jamie Peacock is the guest on this week's episode of The Bench with Jenna and Jon.Jamie talks about his incredible achievements during his playing career and describes his post-playing role of being a motivational speaker.

St Helens full-back Jack Welsby is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.With Jenna away presenting The Hundred, Jon and Jack are joined by Sam Tomkins who lifts the lid on his decision to come out of retirement and return to rugby league.Jack tells us about his hamstring injury and how his rehab is going, and Jon asks which Olympic sports they could all compete in... dressage anyone?

England captain and Warrington Wolves star George Williams is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.George reveals he's a sunbed user, his surprise at Sam Tomkins' return to Super League and that he's not afraid to wear 'interesting' shoes!Plus he tells us how freedom on the field and his partnership with Matt Dufty has helped inspire Warrington towards the top of the table this season.

Wigan Warriors star Jai Field is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.Jai gives us the latest on the hamstring injury that is keeping him out of action at the moment and discusses why he has chosen to stay in Super League rather than move back to the NRL in Australia.Plus listen out for our regular 'On & Off The Bench' segment too!

Super League match official, Chris Kendall is Jenna and Jon's guest on this week's episode of The Bench.Chris explains how he tries not to be the main talking point after matches, how his refereeing style has changed and why he and the other officials knew it would be a difficult start to the season with the introduction of player safety rules.Plus, there's the usual 'On & Off The Bench' segment, where Chris suggests what he'd like to see more of and less of in rugby league.

Warrington Wolves centre, Toby King is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.Toby talks about suffering from gout - something he didn't realise he had in common with Jon! Plus he explains why he's spending time growing trees in his garden and comes up with one of our favourite Off The Bench ideas so far!

Warrington forward, Joe Philbin joins Jenna and Jon on this week's episode of The Bench.Joe talks about the disappointment of missing the Challenge Cup final due to injury and gives us an insight into Sam Burgess' team talks.Plus, Joe reveals how he's become part of one of Stefan Ratchford's pre-match rituals, talks about growing up on his family's farm and how he was once on the books as a footballer at Manchester United!

Salford Red Devils head coach, Paul Rowley makes his second appearance on the podcast to chat with Jenna and Jon.Paul speaks about the rumours linking him to Leeds Rhinos, how player safety rules mean he could be forced to rest some of his top players later in the season, and how his Salford squad enjoy the challenge of facing Super League's top teams.

Jenna is joined by Kyle Amor this week who's in the studio to answer some questions sent in by you, our listeners!What was his best moment at St Helens? How did it feel to be an unused sub in a Grand Final? And why didn't things work out at Warrington?Plus, as ever, there's 'On & Off The Bench' - where Kyle wants to see some showbiz sprinkled on rugby league...

St Helens back row, Matt Whitley is Jenna and Jon's guest this week on The Bench.Matt talks about his return to the club after being released as a teenager, his time in France with the Catalans Dragons and explains why he thinks back row is the toughest position on the field.

Jenna and Jon are joined by former Leeds Rhinos captain, Danny McGuire to pay tribute and reflect on the life of Rob Burrow, who passed away on Sunday.

London Broncos director of rugby and performance, Mike Eccles is the guest on this week's episode of The Bench.Jenna and Jon quiz Mike about his childhood and his route into rugby league coaching, discuss how the grading system is affecting the London Broncos and what the future holds for the game in the capital.This episode was recorded before the sad news of Rob Burrow's death was announced. Everyone involved in The Bench with Jenna and Jon sends their heartfelt condolences to Rob's family and friends.

Warrington Wolves former player and now club ambassador, Paul Wood is the latest guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.Paul speaks about the 'Rugby League Cares' campaign, his struggles with OCD and gives us a couple of 'old school' ideas on 'On & Off The Bench'.

Warrington's winger and full-back, Matty Ashton joins Jenna and Jon for this week's episode of The Bench.Matty tells us where his trademark speed came from, what it's like to play for head coach, Sam Burgess and his love of cold water dipping!

Former Super League winner, Anthony Mullally joins Jenna and Jon on this week's episode of The Bench.Anthony talks about how he began to focus on mindfullness during his playing career, why he decided to go vegan, and tells us about the retreats business he has set up which offer men the chance to explore their masculinity.

Wigan Warriors' legendary captain, now coach, Sean O'Loughlin is Jenna and Jon's guest on this week's episode of The Bench.Sean looks back on his hugely successful career as a player and tells us what his ambitions are now he has moved into coaching.

St Helens prop, Alex Walmsley joins Jenna and Jon this week to discuss his journey from university and amateur rugby league to becoming a Saints legend.

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.