Jon Wilkin has shared his pick for the most underrated player in Super League and it’s definitely someone who’s known for his consistency.
The player in question is not a flashy player but does a lot of the unseen stuff, from tackling to carries, making him someone who lots of coaches and players admire.
Wilkin spoke at length about his most underrated during Thursday night’s Sky Sports broadcast of the game between Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR.
He said: “He’s not a new recruit and he is somebody who has been around for a while but probably, for me, he’s the most underrated player in the comp.
“Underpaid (as well)! If I was Daryl Powell, I’d have him in over contract talks and I’d get him more money because he dismantled Leeds.
“It’s Jay Pitts who’s on the ball right now. He’s a genius at attracting three defenders, Brodie Croft and Matt Frawley just got caught on all of his plays, the subtlety of play, the difference of Jay Pitts’ plays through the middle.
“He challenged Leeds and he will challenge many teams.
“Jay Pitts can manipulate situations where those outside defenders are just put into positions where they’ve got to make such big reads.”
Jon Wilkin reiterated just how good he thinks Pitts is by stressing he needs to be offered a new contract as soon as possible, who is out of contract at the end of the 2025 season.
He added: “They need to pay Jay Pitts more. I’m on a campaign to get Jay Pitts a bigger contract by the way.
“He’s exceptional. I’ve been told it’s not enough, Brian (Carney).”
The special guest for the match, Castleford Tigers head coach Danny McGuire, agreed with Wilkin, stating just how much he thinks Pitts has improved over recent years, despite playing in the Championship last season.
McGuire said: “I just think you’ve seen Jay Pitts evolve into a ball-playing middle and a lot of that’s to do with Daryl Powell’s style and the way he wants his team to attack.
“He’s pivotal to getting the ball to Jake Trueman and Mason Lino and he’s such an underrated player.”
Pitts started his career with the Trinity back in 2008 as his first professional club.
Following spells at Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, Bradford Bulls and London Broncos, he returned to Wakefield at the start of the 2020 season and has been there ever since.
The 35-year-old has stuck with the club following their relegation from Super League in 2023 and was instrumental in their 2024 Championship to gain promotion again.
Wakefield’s next game is a home fixture against St Helens.
⏭️ You don’t have to wait quite as long for the next home game!
We’re back at the DIY Kitchens Stadium on Saturday 1st March against St Helens!!!
🎟️ https://t.co/hdJjJpbNDU#UpTheTrin pic.twitter.com/urekUGytwE
— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) February 21, 2025
