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Bench podcast with Jenner and John is presented by Ladbrokes. Whatever you build, get more from your pond builder. This is real excitement. 18+, Substitute Bench", just a few minutes after the grand finale. We are going to do something we have definitely never done before: enter the Old Trafford. John Wilkins and I. I'm a little nervous about what I'll see there. There could be anything there Be very careful. We've been in a lot of locker rooms, and there may be a lot to pixelate after we finish this podcast. And champagne. Yes, a lot of both And no doubt lots of "pitch" instead of foul language, just to give you an idea in case you missed the
grand finale. This is a historic grand final. Wakefield Trinity won. They defeated Warrington Wolves. Their first Super League title, as well as their first league title in almost 60 years. Oh, we've already done that. We did it on television. Okay, go. Okay, let's go. I will do my best for those who are only listening and not watching to describe what we see. Lots of safety glasses. Caleb, hello. Hey, first of all, what's going on here? We just walked in, but what's going on here? What should we expect?
Oh, you know, the usual things, you know, breaking down defenses, you know, and yeah, sorry, dude. I am busy. I am talking on the phone. He has the heaviest little finger in the world. Let's catch him. Look at him. Here is the Super League ring. No. Yes, I know. I appreciate you guys. I appreciate everyone here. We always knew this could happen. This is a great group of men. And so, we are preparing for 2027. How about glasses? So who started this glasses thing? Who started this? This is from American football, right? Yes, isn't that right?
Yes, yes, and you know, the wind and rain hit your eyes, it hurts a little. Oh, poor little eyes. Let's cross our fingers that we missed the whole champagne pouring process. Sam just left us. He's talking to Daryl. Your turn. We have Matt Ellis here, the owner, the winning owner. This, this is where the story began. This is a place where we feel sad. Try to describe this feeling now. Oh, incredible. I just spoke to Daryl. We did it. We talked about this 3 years ago. We said, "Yeah, well, we're both, we're both unlucky, you know, I got kicked out." And, you know, we were relegated from the league. I said, "Come on, let's
get together and go win this." "We will win this." But we did it in 3 years. You said you had a 5- year plan. Is this true? In 5 years we will reach Old Trafford. You did it in 3. Tell me how. Just passion, pride, and hard work, my friend. And, you know, choosing the right, right person, and Daryl-that's the main thing. And, you know, supporting that. And I just adore these guys, you know? We get along great. Respect between all of us. We are a happy camp. We are hosting a dinner for the staff. I suspect the celebrations will last as long as the 3 years you invested in this club.
Yes, I'm actually worried about these celebrations. I'm worried because I now have a three-day hangover, so I'm a little afraid of it. Yes, I'll go all out. I will celebrate to the fullest. I expect a hangover that will last longer than three days. In the style of Mike Bassett. You know, you can see me dancing on the tables tonight Well, you deserve every pint of beer you drink after this Matt Ellis comes off the full. As I always said, to the fullest. Let's see who else is coming off a full-blown tantrum. Coach Daryl Powell. He's flying on a golf tour with the coaching staff. On Tuesday.
Yes. This will be the best thing in life. Incredible. Do you take golf clubs? Oh, yes, 100%. I mean, we said we'd fly on a private jet if we won, so. There wo n't be a single golf club or ball on that plane. Yes, it will be like "The Wolf of Wall Street." The plane will return wrecked in a week. No, we're going to play golf, but we're probably going to have a few beers while we're playing, so. I don't think your putting will be very accurate next week. No, I don't think so, no. No, with such a crooked look, I won't be able to hit the ball like that. He has a hangover. Well done. He has a hangover.
I just noticed the captain. He, uh.well, he was in the corner. Let's talk to JP. We haven't talked yet tonight He, he's very respected in this locker room. You hear everyone screaming. Hey, you guys.we always talk about fairy tales in sports. Not everyone gets them, right, Sam? Isn't that right, John Wilkin? But the guy next to me, JP, he. You left. you left it to the last minute, didn't you? 19 years old. I'll be there in a minute. This is my best book. No, you can't write that, can you? This is truly special. So, tell us a little about these celebrations. I can't hear well here, but I heard that a private jet was involved. I've
heard about a lot of beer. I heard about a bit of golf. What can you tell us? I know there is a private jet. Um, no, I.I'll be in trouble if we have to pay money tonight, I'll be worried, but yeah, um, Matt will definitely take care of us, but this .it'll last a good week or so, I'd say. So, when.when did you realize this would be your last year as a Super League player? Ahem. I'm not really sure. Uh, it probably happened in the middle of the year when things were getting a little worse, and I just.I do n't know. I felt like we had real belief that we could do something special, so I think I actually
.I believed in us until the end, honestly. I just knew we could do something special, but to do it twice-it's just incredible. And I wanted to end on a high note. And it doesn't get any higher than that, does it? Therefore. how much.much more goes into this than it seems, right? I missed this. I'm so jealous. I'm so 36? How old were you when you came out of retirement to play again? I don't really remember, but to be honest, the resignation isn't permanent. Okay, we'll leave you. Let's see who else we can find here.
I noticed Tyson Smoothie. He took off the ring. What? Tyson. I mean, how does this compare to last year? Uh, it still doesn't seem real, but.But, um.Oh, it is. You don't get tired of winning competitions, but, uh, yeah, it's a special feeling. Oh, I have these candies. Everything flies here. I'm talking candy, lollipops, sweets, whatever you call it here. Why, why is this group so special? What, what is the secret of faith in this team? Um, oh, I think everyone probably wrote us off at the beginning of the year, and, uh, it just brought the team closer together, and, uh, we have a group of people who want to work hard, so, uh, yeah, it makes this kind of result especially valuable.
Corey Hall, star center. The game hasn't been won yet. The result was still uncertain, but you took it and made the guy laugh, almost by the eyebrows. Was this part of the game plan? Uh, no, we.I studied at Jazz. In short, he told me something, but no, I didn't. It wasn't intentional. I didn't want to do this. But it's clear that this guy, a grand finals specialist, has stepped onto the field, and he's a true master. Did you know that you would just come here and win another grand final? Was that the plan from the beginning? Was this written into your contract? When you come, victory is a contract.
Yes, that's right, friend. Yes. He's next on my list. Oh, really? Expect big things in the NRL next year. He has already confirmed it. We have Emre Guler here. Emre, I didn't play. I wasn't playing, buddy. What do you need? What do I need? I want to talk to you. You are holding a trophy. I mean, this, this is a pretty interesting situation for you. This is something different, it's probably a little difficult, isn't it Undoubtedly. I think moving here at the end of the year was.
It hurts, but you know, it's nice to see the result. It's a bittersweet feeling. Glad to see the guys winning, and, uh, yeah, I think it's been a big journey for them in the short time I've been here. Uh, but yeah, it's been a long year for me and all the guys, but, uh, yeah, it's a good ending. Emre, tell us about your hairstyle. Spin for us, spin. What do you need from Pokrutisya for us? This, this is work first, and then pleasure. It's, as they say, work up front, pleasure down back. There you have it Thank you for talking to us. Without a doubt, he will definitely take part in the celebration. Who else do we have, Sam? Who else can we
talk to? Matty Crowther. Do you think he can have a beer or not? He deserved it. He just won the Grand Final. Tell us, tell us, what is his communication with the staff like? We know the players. We see the enjoying the celebration and all that. As a club employee, immerse us in your world, what it means to you who stays behind the scenes. Oh, well, it's just as good, maybe even better, if you've been in this business as long as I have, seen them play and been in so many finals-England, World Cups, Challenge Cup finals, Grand Finals-and lost them all. I think I got lucky on my fifth try today, buddy. So I'm just thrilled.
The work that these guys put in, the sacrifice of not only the players but the staff, and what we have to do.you know what you have to go through, my friend. This is simply incredible. I'm incredibly happy about this, my friend. May I point out that we have John Wilkin here in the corner. If you turn the camera around, he literally just handed me the microphone. He sits there drinking beer with the guys. I mean, well played, John Wilkin, but he got caught red-handed. But.I just.Tom.Tom. Come on, let's leave him. Let's turn back. Tom Johnstone, have you realized this yet? Winner of the Rob Burrow Award.
No, everything happens completely differently. The excitement has passed, and I am becoming more shocked by the minute. What are you planning for the evening? Um, we're going to go back to the hotel and enjoy it with the families, you know, everyone else who's been behind the scenes helping us make this possible, and then we're going to put the kids to bed, and Matty's booked us a little place at K O'Brien's so we can have a little fun. Did it feel like a man of the When, you know, when Hopper beat me at the end and then passed inside, I thought I ruined the moment, I really thought I ruined the moment until he came up and pounded on me, but
we did enough, yeah. How excited were you I remember when you left Catalans, we were talking and you said: "I'm going to Wakefield." I asked: "Why? Why are you leaving? Of course, we know the main reason, but beyond that, did you believe you would come to Wakefield and do this Uh, what I was told. I had Mike with me, one of the best forwards in the league, and we both believed in the dream Mike was talking about. He was very serious and sincere about what he wanted. And yes, we, we did it, yes. So, yeah, I really believed we would do it.
You know what? I know Tom very well. I think I know exactly how he's going to celebrate. It will be on some Pokemon website. Hey, I have Pokemon, I have, I have a pack of Pokemon over there. I have a pack. Well, can you believe he's 8 years old? I don't know if you're aware. If anyone can get some, hey, let me know because I can't find them anywhere Who is taking Pokémon to the grand finals? I mean, I think we're growing up. You need to grow up. you these days. Very confused right now, Tom. Um, you're also a bit of a wimp, but congratulations again, outstanding performance, outstanding achievement tonight.
Thank you. Thank you very much. Put this water down. I don't like beer. Throw this in the trash. Go get a beer. Grow up. Enough playing with Pokemon. That's all. Go get a beer. You're an adult. And I'm also going to, if you turn the camera back, I'm going to hand the microphone back to John Wilkin now, who I thought was already resting, but no, hold on. Do some work, huh? Oh, hello. Uh, what do you want me to say? I'm just in the corner with the guys. Uh, Caleb is calling home. Who is this? Unfold it. What is his name, yours, your brother's name? What is you going to Wakefield? Are you going to Wakefield? What about, what about, what about this guy? How did he play tonight?
I will translate. His brother, his brother is terribly proud. He, he is terribly proud. And he should be proud. Caleb came here and tore everything up, man. He just tore everyone apart. Caius, what are you doing on the phone? Who are you writing to? Well, yes, family too. Of course, my mom came to the game, it's just great, but my dad, my dad is still there, my brothers are there too, so it's just great to see them What did they say about your hair? Well, they know me.
They know me. It was like they already knew I was going to say something stupid, but yeah, they, they liked it. Well, it looks great. Can't wait to see what happens next year when Wakefield might be in the grand final. As I said, the music is booming. John Wilkin, it looks like you're going home. I'm going home. I left, I left Sky. This is the last time you'll see me on TV. This is the end. Maybe for all of us. I'm not entirely sure. I've seen Michael Shenton before. If I see him I would like to have a word with Shenton who is one of the assistant
coaches, of course he also came from Castleford along with Daryl Powell. Yes, but just a few words about the coaches, actually. Because Daryl Powell gets a lot of recognition, doesn't he? So, Daryl Powell, without a doubt, did an incredible job, right? But his assistants, Danny Kerman and Michael Shenton, what a job they did too. This is a team, right? So they, they've all done so well, and I think the investment from the Marlies-it's not just the players, right? This is something more. It's infrastructure, ambition, caring about people and attracting the right coaches, right? This is so important. While you're talking, let's move on. We'll just move to this corner. I don't, I don't want to go too far, because there's, uh.
Come with us. Let's go with. The restroom is over there, and I'm a little scared of what I might see. Shenton, Michael Shenton, say a few words about this achievement, what this club has achieved in such a short period. Well, I'm just, just proud of the guys. They are just an incredible group of guys. They just grew, they grew from the beginning of the year to who they are now, and you could just see. We always, me and Powell, asked them to just develop their belief in themselves, but it showed in this game throughout the year, they just worked together, they're united, especially. What a story. Just You talk about " working". Let's talk about the
last two games. When you talk about consistency, the performance at Wigan last week and especially the first half this week. I said this on television today. I don't think anyone can beat you. Well, yeah, we'd like to think we have some really talented guys, but they're young, they're hungry to win, they're driven to do it, and you can see them continuing to move forward, right, this group? Just seeing them continue to grow. But we definitely had some pretty tough moments. There were a lot of tough lessons throughout the year, but I think they showed resilience, and the way they finished the season now is just incredible.
This is so good. At what point this year did you think, "We're going to do this. We can really win this title?" At Wigan away when we beat them. Really? Is this really true? Yes. Because we listened to Daryl after the match, right? And we're like, "Is he trying to.or are you just trying to present something in a positive light?" Yes, yes, I saw what you said. And I. But we thought, because in the studio we were thinking, "Well, but you were so sure that you did everything right."
Well, that three-game period, people were saying, "Oh, we've given up," but with Leeds we tore them apart in the first half and then we lost control a bit at some points. So, we learned a lot during that period, understanding, " How do you take control of the game? How do you take control of the game and how do you beat the best teams?" So we learned incredible lessons. And what we did against Wigan -we started terribly, but we essentially beat ourselves. We allowed Bevan French and Jay Field to make breakaway attempts, which we agreed not to allow. But what we showed there-everything else showed that we were the better team. So we discussed it with the guys and said: " If you don't give such gifts, you can beat them."
, because during the break they asked, "Do you want to use statistics?" And we said, "No, no. We're keeping score, and that shows that the forces are equal." So we're like, " No, we're not going to use it." But that's what you drew confidence from. Absolutely, but it's to the boys' credit that they were the ones who said, "No. " Yes, we totally feel it. We totally How is your golf swing? Well, we'll see you next week in Portugal. This is terrible. That's what it is, Jenny. It will be a complete horror. You need to practice more, right?
Yes, I need a hard day. You need something. Maybe this will help. Jenny, thank you for talking to us. Sam, why don't you leave them alone? I mean, you know what happens in the locker room after a win. John Wilkin, probably less. But, sorry, John could No, no, we just said, "Yo, they're good, and you were like I realized it was a short ball. You just I'll take the mic first. Let someone come over. He did a really good job. As soon as I had a beer in my hand, he handed me the mic, but What about Jake Thurman's dance moves?
Jake Thurman, come here, Jake. Jake, come here, Jake. Wait, we just The camera wants to see those dance moves again. Come on. Come on We need to I think we need to. Come on. Oh, he's putting it on He's putting his ring back on Oh, he's putting it back on. Yeah, you look a lot better with your face covered. Sum it up. What does that mean to you? Still can't believe it, to be honest. Hold the anchor. Who would have thought, huh, Wakefield? We were given 60 to 1, bro. But you were. You were here through it all, right? So it's really accelerated in the
last 12 months, has n't it? When you believe and you see the stars you think, "Oh, we can do it." But you've been here before, maybe this faith was here. How quickly that belief turned into, " Yes, actually, we did it." You can't answer a serious question with that. Sorry, friend. Yes. I think you're right. Faith is the main thing. Pauli has been trying to instill this faith in us all this year. The last couple of years, actually, since he came in, we've just had a great group of guys, honestly. We truly believed in what Pauley and his coaching staff were building. We believed it and just let the process take its course.
You get pleasure from this, right? You enjoy You enjoy being together. 100% of the time. Honestly, these guys are better people than football players to begin with, that's why we've achieved what we have, honestly. And those kinds of things are very important in a team, are n't they? Oh, extraordinary. You know, if you get along with each other, yeah. then everything becomes much easier. When there is a group of people who like to spend time together, not always on the field or at the training camp, where everything is quite serious, regulated, that's your job. But explain the value of guys who just enjoy being in each other's company.
Well, you know that yourself. guys won championships. You know what it's like to have a good group around you. Humble guys, all from simple backgrounds, and just being on the big stage, playing with your best friends and winning everything together-it's something special. Who is your best friend on this team? Everyone. Daryl Powley. It Hey, Jazz and I told Paula we're doing it this year in Tenerife. That was 12 months ago. You know, a lot of us probably didn't believe it at the time, but as the season went on, watching the guys play, listen, anything can happen, right? Anything can happen. And then he drank a few beers.
Yes. When he Yes, yes. He just got his first paycheck. He said, "Yes, yes, we'll win everything." "We Well, there's a new sheriff here now. They used to call me the old- time sheriff, but I don't know why. Okay, just that Okay, good job, Mason. Great, brother. Well done. Good job. Quick question. I think we should talk to Zach Lipovich. Zaku. Gay. Dude, how about your year? Yes, I know. Um, yeah, I definitely didn't expect this to happen at the beginning of the season, let alone the middle. But yeah, it's just unrealistic, you know. I took a risk, took advantage of the opportunity that came my way, and you know, it
paid off. I am very grateful to Wakefield for the chance I was given, as well as to Catalans for the start of the year. Um, yeah, I'm just incredibly grateful. I, I, I will be frank. I had my doubts about the decision to swap the south of France for Wakefield, but in the end it paid off. Yes, that's absolutely correct. Um, well, the weather was n't the best, but you know, you can deal with that when you win, you win the championship, my friend. So, um, yeah. Yes, it was a little hard to give up the sun, but, uh, it
was the right decision in the end so I'm, yeah, thrilled. Definitely the right decision. Well done. Congratulations. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Okay, gentlemen, I think it's time to leave the champions alone. Let's move on now. Now we are being welcomed, aren't we? I think so. So, we'll take the camera back. A huge thank you to Wakefield for allowing us this access and entry into the dressing room, where we saw things that we, well, will never forget, but it was a great insight. Um, come out. Let's go around the
corner. We'll leave We'll come back to the episode in a moment, but for now it's time to tell you about our sponsor, Ladbrokes. We all have our own opinions on how big games will go: whether the stars will shine, whether you expect a lot of tries, or even if you bet against your own team. Whatever your prediction, Ladbrokes has you covered. And every Premier League weekend, if your Bet Builder has played, you'll win more thanks to the Bet Builder winning bonus. Download the Ladbrokes app, create a bet to your liking and let Ladbrokes double your success. This is what true pleasure is. 18+, pre-match and live Bet Builder, from three
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The worst part is, I kind of felt like I was a part of it, just As soon as we finish this podcast, I'll get back into it Good. I'm sure someone put on glasses in the rain. I don't, but just a huge congratulations. Wakefield Trinity, our first ever Super League title and of course our first league title in almost 60 years. Yes, and besides, it's 2026, what a year. Just a great year. And a great story to end with, but it was still that trip, was n't it? You know, you remember the World Club Challenge, and this season was fun for us too.
Very. It doesn't feel like work to us, does it? It was full of stories, and it ends with the best story this season has written. Full of ups and downs for all teams, but the story of Wakefield walking away tonight with Grand Final rings on their fingers will go down in history. And people will look back and say, " Remember how Wakey did that?" And just a greeting. Hello Keith, operator, Keith. Yes, thank you, Kit. I just want to say but he had a wonderful grandfather. And also I would just like to mention Warrington Wolves and what they have achieved this year too. Sam Burgess led his team to the
grand final in just his third year as head coach. I mean, in his first year at the helm, he made the playoffs. The second year, I think they finished eighth. So this twist to bring them here is remarkable in itself. So brilliant work on their part. And congratulations on what has been a successful season for Warrington Wolves too. Yes, very stable. They were in the shadows for a while. They entered the playoffs in great shape. A tenacious performance in the semi-final, but today they faced a Wakefield team that simply wasn't going to lose. They weren't going to lose. I almost feel sorry for Warrington that they came across a Wakefield team at the end of this journey. And John, you said that after the game. I don't think anyone will beat Wakefield.
No, I don't think that's possible. And I think the Wakefield story has captured the imagination of many people. I think Warrington's story is too. That's why this grand final was so special. I think history may show that the pre-match coverage of the grand final was biased towards Wakefield. But they were very open, were n't they? We had a hard time getting information from Warrington. And maybe that's why sometimes everything seems to lean towards Wakefield. But we are incredibly proud. We would have behaved exactly the same if And Warrington had also given us permission before this game, if they had won, to let us into their dressing room. So, we have no idea if we will be able to convey this.
The microphones were where the cameras were. We have no idea. We hope not. Maybe this is the future. And I'll tell you, it definitely won't be cut off at the beginning and at the end. It will definitely be in the moments between them. So, forgive us for cutting something out. But, gentlemen, what a season. Thank you both for your time. Thank you at home, in the car, or wherever you listen to this podcast. Someone will hear this in the car and say, "What the hell?" On the bench and off it too. Should we just let it go? But this issue We don't do it on and off the bench. He always knows what? Podcast "On the Bench". For me on the bench
speechless. Having lost the gift of speech. When someone says after a game: "I'm speechless." "Like McMeekin, I am speechless." No, you're not. How much beer did you drink there? Just out of curiosity. OK. I think he's just wonderful. OK. Well, thank you again to everyone who is watching, everyone who is listening, wherever you are. Thank you. Good night. See you later. See you again in 2027. If not sooner, maybe we'll see each other. Who knows? No, we won't see each other.
See you later. It will definitely take some time, yes. Goodbye.
