Episodes
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.
Published 07/22/24
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!
Published 07/15/24
Published 07/15/24
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!
Published 07/08/24
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.
Published 06/24/24
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...
Published 06/17/24
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.
Published 06/10/24
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.
Published 06/06/24
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...
Published 06/03/24
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'.
Published 05/27/24
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!
Published 05/20/24
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.
Published 05/13/24
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.
Published 05/06/24
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.
Published 04/29/24
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'.
Published 04/22/24
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.
Published 04/08/24
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.
Published 04/02/24
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?!
Published 03/25/24
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!
Published 03/18/24
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!
Published 03/11/24
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!
Published 03/04/24
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.
Published 02/26/24
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!
Published 02/19/24
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'.
Published 02/12/24
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!
Published 12/18/23