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The Bench with Jenna and Jon

Sky Sports
Rugby League
Super League
Leeds Rhinos
Las Vegas
Wigan Warriors
NRL
Hull KR
Mental Health
Warrington Wolves
Brad Arthur
England Women's Rugby League
London Broncos
Wigan
Challenge Cup
Betfred Super League
Melanoma
Hull Kingston Rovers
Grand Final
World Club Challenge
Huddersfield Giants

Join Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin to get to know the players, officials and all the big names from around the Betfred Super League and beyond. Episodes are released every Monday. - •You can watch the rugby league action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-spor... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes191Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsSports NewsNewsRugby

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Artwork for The Bench

Latest Episodes

Warrington Wolves' Josh Thewlis is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.

He gives an update on the injury that's keeping him out of action at the moment and when he's hoping to return.

Plus, we find out more about Josh's Oldham upbring... more

Huddersfield Giants prop Tom Burgess is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.

Tom sat down with Jenna, Jon and Sam Tomkins at Magic Weekend at Hill Dickinson Stadium, so there is some background noise during the episode!

They spoke abo... more

St Helens legend Alex Walmsley is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.

'Big Al' chats about his new contract and why he thinks it might be his last one before retirement.

Plus he gives us his thoughts on why Paul Rowley was the right ... more

Catalans Dragons assistant coach Mitchell Pearce is this week's guest on The Bench with Jenna and Jon.

Mitchell discusses his life in France and how the coaching opportunity at the Catalans Dragons came about for him.

Plus, he chats about how peopl... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Tom Burgess
Professional rugby league player; one of the Burgess brothers
Huddersfield Giants, previously South Sydney Rabbitohs
Episode: Tom Burgess: Hip issues, Aussie links and being really good at admin!
Alex Walmsley
Rugbier, prominent forward for St Helens
St Helens R.F.C.
Episode: Alex Walmsley: Reaching the end, change at St Helens and a Players' Association
Mitchell Pearce
Catalan Dragons Assistant Coach
Catalan Dragons
Episode: Mitchell Pearce: French living, misconceptions and Catalans coaching
Gary Chambers
Director of Rugby, Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves
Episode: Gary Chambers: from the classroom to Warrington Wolves, working with Sam Burgess and young superstar, Ewan Irwin.
Harry Robertson
St Helens rugby league player
St Helens RLFC
Episode: Harry Robertson: Young players, versatility and not going to the mall!
Ian Blease
Sporting director at Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos
Episode: Ian Blease: Top of the league, players moving on & Brad Arthur's future
Ian Watson
Assistant coach, Hull KR
Hull Kingston Rovers
Episode: Ian Watson: Toe tapping, learning to 'breathe' and his return to Super League with Hull KR!
Arthur Mourgue
Professional rugby league player, Hull KR fullback
Hull KR
Episode: Arthur Mourgue: The Tomkins influence, being a "rugby nerd" & fullbacks
Andy Kelly
Huddersfield Giants, Director of Rugby, Head of Youth
Huddersfield Giants
Episode: Andy Kelly: Challenging times for Huddersfield, the search for a new head coach and how to rebuild the Giants.

Hosts

Jon Wilkin
Co-host of The Bench with Jenna and Jon, Sky Sports (Rugby League)
Jenna Brooks
Co-host of The Bench with Jenna and Jon, Sky Sports (Rugby League)

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 159 ratings
  • Why No Ashes?

    I have listened to a few of these shows and it’s decent for Super League coverage. But why has there been no previews or reaction to any of the Ashes tests? Sky Sports News completely ignored it and it seems that Sky Sports’ flagship RL podcast ignores it too. A very strange editorial decision from Sky Sports to give the international game no coverage whatsoever.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Pedro Ell
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • Great show – excellent hosts & guests

    Love this podcast – it provides a unique insight into the key issues of the game. Really well done for getting the Saints chairman on– I learned a lot about the financial position facing the league. Saints fans (of whom I am one) owe Eamonn huge amount of gratitude for making the new stadium happen and keeping the club afloat and competitive.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sintellin
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Essential listening

    Love the show and glad of high tempo to start the year. Keep it up!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    slickest123
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Cut out the bleep/swearing!

    Fantastic podcast however please cut out the horrible bleep over the swearing it’s horrid!! Or at least use a sound not so deafening when you have earphones in!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Ajje1989
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Brilliant !!!

    well done Sky Sports The Bench with Jenna and Jon is totally entertaining ! Big in Australia as well

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Family of League
    Australia2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate access to high-profile figures and practical, behind-the-scenes industry details.
Insightful guests and strong host dynamics make for compelling rugby league conversations.
Quality and relevance remain solid, though some listeners crave broader international rugby league coverage.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#117
United States/Sports/Rugby
Apple Podcasts
#16
United Kingdom/Sports/Rugby
Apple Podcasts
#61
Canada/Sports/Rugby
Apple Podcasts
#43
France/Sports/Rugby
Apple Podcasts
#79
Australia/Sports/Rugby
Apple Podcasts
#102
Germany/Sports/Rugby

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Mitchell Pearce: French living, misconceptions and Catalans coaching
Q: You mentioned you checked in past. I obviously don't want to go back there or anything, but just when it comes to Mitchell Pearce, what would you say is the biggest misconception?
Pearce suggests that the public often sees only the on-field chaos or a few high-profile incidents, while a lot of his life and character are far deeper and more nuanced than the perception suggests.
Gary Chambers: from the classroom to Warrington Wolves, working with Sam Burgess and young superstar, Ewan Irwin.
Q: What makes Sam Burgess such an effective mentor for the younger players?
Sam's own experiences at a high level, his current involvement with the squad, and his ability to connect with both teenagers and seasoned players create a bridge between aspiration and reality for the youth.
Gary Chambers: from the classroom to Warrington Wolves, working with Sam Burgess and young superstar, Ewan Irwin.
Q: Gary, how did somebody from Cumbria turn out to be so versatile at Warrington including player, coach, and educator roles?
He describes it as luck and timing, a progression from playing to coaching, teaching, and eventually returning to rugby with a relentless drive to make the pathway work for young people.
Ian Blease: Top of the league, players moving on & Brad Arthur's future
Q: Who could be the next head coach if Brad leaves?
They discuss the net being opened broadly, considering both intra-club promotions and external candidates, with Brad as the current central figure.
Ian Blease: Top of the league, players moving on & Brad Arthur's future
Q: Is Brad Arthur staying beyond this year?
The hosts acknowledge a deadline and express hope he stays, but emphasize that a decision will come by the end of June, with uncertainty remaining until then.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Bench

What is The Bench about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A high-energy sports interview show centered on rugby league, featuring players, coaches, executives, and influencers from Super League and beyond. Episodes typically explore leadership, coaching philosophy, player development, transfers, club strategy, governance, and the business side of the sport, often sprinkled with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and personal life insights. Notable strengths include a strong presence of current athletes and top-level administrators, plus candid discussions about market growth, sponsorship, and international partnerships. The show stands out for its personable hosts, access to prominent figures, and timely debates about the sport's evolution and media presence, making it valuable for listeners who want ins... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Bench?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Bench:

1. All Out Rugby League: Back Ten
2. League Express Podcast
3. The Love Rugby League Podcast
4. Meg & Matt: Sin Bin Sessions
5. Forty20 Rugby League Podcasts

How many episodes of The Bench are there?

The Bench launched 10 years ago and published 191 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Bench?

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What guests have appeared on The Bench?

Recent guests on The Bench include:

1. Tom Burgess
2. Alex Walmsley
3. Mitchell Pearce
4. Gary Chambers
5. Harry Robertson
6. Ian Blease
7. Ian Watson
8. Arthur Mourgue

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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