Connect with us

Features

Ranking the top five rugby league pundits

Having successful pundits will always be a big part of rugby league and has been since the summer game came into being in 1996.

In those 25 years, the TV channel has seen many pundits come and go with some incredibly popular and some not so.
But, just which five pundits do we think rank as the best in rugby league?
5. Brian Noble
He’s been there and achieved everything possible in the game, so Brian Noble’s knowledge of rugby league is perhaps second to none. Always one to share excellent points for “viewers who are new to the game”, Noble gets on well with those in the studio and brings a bit of spark and humour to proceedings.
4. Jon Wells
Jon Wells gets stick from rival fans for the fact that he is well involved with Castleford, yet also sometimes analyses their games live on Sky Sports. However, his understanding of rugby league is staggering to say the least and his touch screen board used at half-time and full-time gives viewers unique demonstrations into team moves, structures and specific occurrences during a game. Wells also refuses to pull any punches and always gives his honest opinion.
3. Jon Wilkin

An ever-present for the BBC’s Challenge Cup coverage, Jon Wilkin is a very useful asset to have on the broadcasting channel that sometimes seems out of touch with the modern viewer. The ex-Saints and Toronto man only retired last season so he is still pretty much clued up about what it takes to be a professional rugby league player in the new decade. Plus, his knowledge and insight is extremely beneficial.

2. Tony Rea

Again, another pundit that knows what he is talking about, former London boss Tony Rea has impressed greatly whenever he has been asked to appear on Sky. Far away from the ‘fence-sitters’ that you would normally find with guest speakers, Rea voices his opinion charismatically and studiously, getting his point across without offending anyone. Giving Rea a more permanent role would certainly add spice to what appears to be a stagnant punditry set-up and would definitely be a popular choice.

1. Jamie Peacock

Like Jon Wilkin listed above, Jamie Peacock has become a regular with the BBC in recent seasons and provides welcome insight whenever he is on the punditry team. Revered throughout the game, Peacock undoubtedly attracts increased attention due to the way he commands an audience, plus he is actually a really good speaker too. A former prop that has won everything possible in the game, who better to speak from experience than Peacock?

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Must See

More in Features