“Flopped” – Jon Wilkin claims Super League coach is “under pressure”

Jon Wilkin has picked out a Super League coach under pressure ahead of the new Super League season.

This is despite the fact the club have just made a mega announcement. Wilkin claimed on Sky Sports the verdict that Huddersfield Giants announcing the signing of Tom Burgess heaps pressure on Ian Watson after the club flopped in 2024.

He said: “It is a huge signing in many ways. He is six-foot-five, 120 kilos and he can shift as well. So, a massive signing for Huddersfield. Tom Burgess brings a huge amount of pedigree and experience.

“I will say this, the signing puts more pressure on Ian Watson at the start of the season. Huddersfield flopped last year after their Chairman Ken Davy came out and said that it was the best squad they had ever assembled.

“He couldn’t get it done. I think Tom Burgess coming on board is great news but it highlights the fact they are a team under pressure going into the new season.”

Ian Watson speaks on major Super League signing

Watson has also spoken about the move for Burgess on the club’s website.

“This is a huge transfer, not just for the Giants, but for Super League and the game in general, with the stature of Thomas and what he’s achieved in his career to be consistently one of the best front rowers within the game, we’re absolutely delighted for him to become a Giant in 2025.”, said Watson, who is sponsored by KP Motors.

“You only have to look at his career, winning the NRL and consistently being one of the best within the international game, we’ve been on the lookout for a big middle, and Thomas fits the profile of what we’ve been searching for, it’s also great to have another English middle in our pack.

“We heard that Tom may be available within the next year or so, so we touched base, and I had a conversation with him just about Rugby for about an hour, and then received a call from his agent notifying me that he would be interested in joining the Giants, it moved quick from there really.

“I know him from the Lions tour, and I saw then first-hand the standards he sets himself, and how he applies himself in training and during games, it’s what we’re looking for at the Giants, he fits our culture and the future we’re going for here, we want our young players to learn from the very best and we’re getting that in Thomas.

“There was interest in Super League for him, but he wanted to come here, and the three-year deal gives his family security, and he’s moving close to where it all started for him at Bradford.”