Jon Wilkin column

By Jon Wilkin
St Helens and Great Britain forward

We've decided to throw more questions at Jon this week following the success of his last Q&A.

He talks about the jokers in the Saints camp, his favourite films and his perfect job.

If you want to know more about Jon, use the link on the right-hand side to send us a question.

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Do you realise that your recurring dreams about your teeth falling out are very Freudian and that subconsciously you are fearing the approach of old age? Do you think you should see a psychoanalyst?
Howard, Algeria

If I had dreamt about limping a lot and enjoying watching Country File would that also be a warning that I fear old age?

I'm not considering seeing a psychoanalyst anytime soon, although if I dream about seeing one what will that mean? When I start dreaming about normal things then I may consider visiting a shrink.

My dreams are entertaining thus far, I can't think of anything worse than having a mundane one. Imagine dreaming about hours of dishwashing or pairing socks after a colour wash. Mmm, interesting.

Who is the main joker of the side and what's the best practical joke they've ever played?
Michael Parkinson, St Helens

Many of the lads enjoy a joke and it would be very hard to nail down who is the biggest prankster. The lads, after me consistently annoying them, painted my royal blue wooden front door the colours of the Saints kit once. It was white with a very big red vee through it. I later found out that Paul Wellens - responsible father, husband and pillar of the community - was responsible.

Paul Wellens is good at starting something then looking angelic when it all goes wrong

I suppose everyone plays a trick now and again. Barry Ward used to cut the ends off peoples socks at training so as they pulled them on they would get pulled right up your leg. Longy Super Glued my shoes to the floor and filmed me trying to pick them up. Paul Wellens very recently switched Chris Flannery's house number from 9 to a 6 with a simple twist. Chris then ordered some food which was cold by the time the delivery boy found the address.

The best one probably was when a large group of the lads painted their names in big white letters on one of the other lad's fence panels in his back garden while he was out. It was Ian Hardman's idea. Generally Paul Wellens is the chief culprit but other people usually end up getting blamed. He is good at starting something then looking angelic when it all goes wrong.

Being a rugby player you must have plenty of time when not training for activities other than cooking. What is your favourites tv programme and film?
Claire Butterfield, Bradford

I am a massive Alan Partridge fan and I pretty much know every line from the episodes. I love anything that makes me laugh, from Monty Python to Phoenix Nights.

I'd love to be Ron Burgundy

My favourite film of all time is probably Blazing Saddles, although Wedding Crashers is a current favourite amongst the boys. Warm-up usually consists of a barrage of Will Ferrell lines from the film - his cameo in that film is genius.

Anchorman is another fave of mine and I love its twisted sense of humour. Secretly I want to be Ron Burgundy, the star character, and Sex Panther is my cologne of choice. If you have not seen it watch it.

After a match you all get given a chocolate drink in a bottle. Is this a protein drink or recovery drink?
Daniel, Wrexham

We are currently sponsored by SIS Nutrition and one of their products is a recovery drink that contains protein, carbohydrates and electrolytes to enhance recovery after a tough game. Some people like to drink it, others don't.

It all depends on your routine and whether it works for you. Most of the lads take some kind of protein drink to supplement their diet, but the odd one takes nothing.

I didn't take any supplements for a few years and I know a few lads don't, but I have recently got more into it. I try to have a balanced diet, and hopefully I get all the nutrients I need from that.

Outside of rugby league, which other sports person would you like to be and why?
Mark, Cheltenham

Good one. I suppose I would be the guy who kicks field goals for the New York Giants. I appreciate it is a high-pressure job, but it seems a pretty high reward-to-risk ratio. There are all the benefits of a team sport minus the mangled body at the end.

Other than that, I think I would like to be the 100m world record-holder. It's a very powerful thing to know that nobody on this planet is faster than you. I suppose I respect endurance athletes the most... Paula Radcliffe, Lance Armstrong, anybody whose passion is pushing their mind to the limits everyday.

As a kid watching Hull KR who was your favourite player?
Dave Smith, Stevenage (used to be East Hull)

When I watched Hull KR the best player at the time was Stanley Gene. I used to love watching him play. He is still going as well If I am still playing at his age I will be very surprised!