Jon Wilkin has heaped pressure on a particular Super League coach ahead of the new season.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Wilkin said the most pressure was on coaches at the top but also said that there is pressure on Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Rohan Smith.
He said: “The most pressure has to be on the two coaches at the top in the shape of Paul Wellens and Matt Peet. But going round the houses there’s pressure on Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Rohan Smith and maybe new Warrington Wolves Head Coach Sam Burgess.
“That said, he’s a multi-millionaire. What’s he going to do? Go back to Australia? I don’t think he’d be bothered if he lost his job. He’s here to learn the ropes and I don’t think he’s a stressy kind of guy.
“But Rohan Smith, there’s a lot of talk of Leeds doing it this year but if they don’t, then what?”
Wilkin will be part of Sky’s coverage of the opening round of Super League starting with a clash between Hull FC and Hull KR.
Super League club’s future secured
SALFORD, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: A general view inside the stadium prior to the Betfred Challenge Cup match between Salford Red Devils and Widnes Vikings at AJ Bell Stadium on April 10, 2021 in Salford, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors.
Wilkin made these comments as the news that Salford City Council were fully purchasing Super League stadium AJ Bell securing the future of Salford Red Devils.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “I am delighted that we are nearing conclusion of months of painstaking discussions.
“After being a joint owner, the council is set to take the reins and full control of the stadium and surrounding site.
“This will enable the council to deliver its aims and aspirations agreed earlier this year as detailed in the Strategic Statement of Intent, while also moving us forward in delivering the original intentions of decision(s) taken back in 2009/10. This includes securing the council’s long-term interests by controlling future redevelopment and regeneration of the stadium facilities and adjacent development land.”
Mayor Dennett continued: “We’ll be able to recommit to deliver the initial vision of a community stadium for the city and its people. The future will be grounded in a new sports & leisure and rugby strategy, with links to activity, culture and health and wellbeing and fair access and opportunities. These benefits will go far beyond activities on the pitch, with full development of the site creating an anticipated 790 new jobs, delivering £28million worth of social value and attracting £65 million of private sector investment.”
