Episodes

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

    The end of year review | "Wheelie sin-bins", Tomkins' 'will he won't he?' And a flip-flop obsession!
    Dec 23 2024
    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 fli-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!
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    41 mins
  • Playing In A Grand Final & End of Season Thoughts With Sam Tomkins

    Playing In A Grand Final & End of Season Thoughts With Sam Tomkins
    Oct 14 2024
    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.
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    28 mins
  • Elliot Minchella | From building site to Hull KR's inspirational captain

    Elliot Minchella | From building site to Hull KR's inspirational captain
    Oct 7 2024
    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.
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    26 mins
  • Sam Tomkins | His future in rugby league and where next for Catalans after missing out on playoffs.

    Sam Tomkins | His future in rugby league and where next for Catalans after missing out on playoffs.
    Sep 30 2024
    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.
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    28 mins
  • Lee Briers | Back from Australia, coaching the best and Saints hopes

    Lee Briers | Back from Australia, coaching the best and Saints hopes
    Sep 23 2024
    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.
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    30 mins
  • Luke Robinson | Getting the Giants' job full-time, retaining players and winning at snakes and ladders

    Luke Robinson | Getting the Giants' job full-time, retaining players and winning at snakes and ladders
    Sep 16 2024
    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!
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    36 mins
  • Denis Betts | World Cup final captaincy, coaching Warriors Women and the voice

    Denis Betts | World Cup final captaincy, coaching Warriors Women and the voice
    Sep 9 2024
    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.
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    31 mins
  • Paul Lakin | Recruitment, building for the future and a flip-flop obsession

    Paul Lakin | Recruitment, building for the future and a flip-flop obsession
    Sep 2 2024
    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!
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    30 mins