Jon Wilkin and Ryan Bailey settle dispute - Rugby League News
While talking to media reporters on Thursday, October 13, Jon Wilkin confirmed the settlement of his dispute with Ryan Bailey. The duo is all set to join the English squad and have cleared the air between them on Wednesday at Loughborough University.
The duo was caught up in a verbal spat about Bailey’s celebration after Leeds’ Grand Final triumph over St. Helens, which was tagged by Saints’ Wilkin as “embarrassing”
While referring to his verbal conflict with the Saints’ second rower, Wilkin stated, "It's part of sport, isn't it? Personal battles happen, I think it's what makes sport interesting. Passion sometimes does overflow. Ryan's form has been fantastic and it's
good to have him in the England team. I spoke to him before we came into camp and there are no issues. Those rivalries that you have are just signs that people care. I care as much for the St Helens cause as much as Ryan cares for the Leeds cause and that's
why we clashed.”
Wilkin further went on and added that the bone of contention between them, was their fondness for their respective clubs. If that attachment gets translated into the English squad then that will serve as the common link between the two.
English coach, Steve McNamara, also appreciated how maturely the duo has settled down the conflict, which is strange because, the players have developed a camaraderie of their own after they have successfully reached common grounds between themselves.
McNamara lauded the passion the pair hold for their respective clubs, which is exactly the kind of passion England is ambitioning for its Four Nations outfit.
McNamara’s 24-man squad is heavily loaded with recruits from Super League berth whereas Melbourne Storm utilty Gareth Widdop and Brisbane Broncos centre Jack Reed will join in with the English clan.
The coach is very thankful to Super League for their generosity in giving away players to play the Australian series. However, the coach still desires more uptakes from Super League but says that he has to strike a balance.
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