SKY SPORTS pundit Jon Wilkin has called for Super League media managers to stop “protecting the players”.
Wilkin, who is well-known for his outspoken opinions, was discussing, alongside fellow Sky Sports reporter Jenna Brooks and Super League referee Chris Kendall, what he would get rid of in rugby league.
What the former St Helens veteran decided to choose was Super League clubs’ media managers – who are the link between journalists, reporters and broadcasters and players – stopping players from their respective teams talking to the media.
Wilkin, when replying to what he would put ‘on the bench’ said: “Media managers, you’re not managing media for a start.
“They are the gatekeepers between the media and the players, so they facilitate speaking to players who are readily open to speak to broadcaster and newspapers to promote our game.
“Media managers, stop protecting the players. If a media manager came to me and told me not to speak to somebody, as a grown man, I would say I am more than capable of addressing this point, I want to talk about it, I’ve got an opinion and I’ll articulate it.
“It’s a constant guarding of players. I got in trouble during my career for saying things, but I’ve got opinions. I don’t understand the concept of being a media manager.”
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