The Bench with Jenna and Jon

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Catch up on the latest rugby league news and hear the best interviews with players, officials and all the big names from around the Betfred Super League with Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin. The Bench has been shortlisted for Best Rugby Podcast in the Sports Podcast Awards 2025. You can vote for us here!

23/12/2024

The end of year review | "Wheelie sin-bins", Tomkins' 'will he won't he?' And a flip-flop obsession!

Jenna and Jon are back for one more episode of the year looking back at the best bits of The Bench in 2024. From Wigan's dominance to impressive seasons for Salford and Hull KR, there was plenty to talk about on the pitch. But as ever, there were loads of highlights off it too, including Sam Tomkins' decision to come out of retirement, Paul Lakin's flip-flop obsession, and just who exactly the Huddersfield Giants mascot is modelled on! The Bench with Jenna and Jon has been shortlisted for Best Rugby Podcast at the Sports Podcast Awards 2025. You can vote for us here!

41 min
14/10/2024

Playing In A Grand Final & End of Season Thoughts With Sam Tomkins

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.

28 min
07/10/2024

Elliot Minchella | From building site to Hull KR's inspirational captain

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.

26 min
30/09/2024

Sam Tomkins | His future in rugby league and where next for Catalans after missing out on playoffs.

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.

28 min
23/09/2024

Lee Briers | Back from Australia, coaching the best and Saints hopes

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.

30 min
16/09/2024

Luke Robinson | Getting the Giants' job full-time, retaining players and winning at snakes and ladders

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!

36 min
09/09/2024

Denis Betts | World Cup final captaincy, coaching Warriors Women and the voice

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.

31 min
02/09/2024

Paul Lakin | Recruitment, building for the future and a flip-flop obsession

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!

30 min

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TRAILER

Welcome to The Bench with Jenna and Jon!

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.

15/02/2023

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1 min

5

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4 Ratings

Brilliant !!!

10/06/2024

Family of League

well done Sky Sports The Bench with Jenna and Jon is totally entertaining ! Big in Australia as well
Phil Clarke - debating masterclass!!

14/04/2020

c_smith1982

Listening to Phil Clarke argue his point on player welfare is the best comedy I have heard in a long time!! Joking aside - good listen!

Catch up on the latest rugby league news and hear the best interviews with players, officials and all the big names from around the Betfred Super League with Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin. The Bench has been shortlisted for Best Rugby Podcast in the Sports Podcast Awards 2025. You can vote for us here!