So how does Wilkin's controversial interview look now?
Quote "The game is unrecognisable to the game I played 10 years ago. The ruck speed is slower. The play-the-balls were much more unstructured back then. The likes of Keiron Cunningham were given a free rein to dominate games.
"I want to see the game do well and I'm confident the World Cup can help”
"In my time, we've come full circle a few times. We tried to speed it up, but I think we're in a bit of a slow patch at the moment. Also, 10 years ago, you could point to every team and say they were trying to do something different. At the moment, there's an argument that quite a number of teams are doing the same kinds of things.
"I love the game, so I'll watch Batley against Whitehaven in the rain and I'll enjoy it. But as a wider spectacle, I don't think the last few years have been fantastic. Parts of it have been great and there are always stand-out moments but, as a whole, we need to be conscious that it's an entertainment industry we're in and we need to entertain people."
So how can the game be improved?
"We have quite a tight grip on the game and a lot of people are reluctant to release the game to the next level. There are so many people doing great things in the sport. I think it's a mentality switch that needs to change.
"If we can execute the World Cup well - if it looks good on TV, if the coverage is good and we can inspire the next group of young players to play the game - it has done its job. What we need to do, on the field and off the field, is come up with something that works and stick with it for a period of time. I want to see the game do well and I'm confident that the World Cup can help. As a game, we need to get together - schools, amateur clubs and professional clubs - sort out what we want to achieve and move on from there."'"
