James Bentley was delighted to bag his first tries and first win as a Leeds Rhinos player – but admits he now fears copping his third ban of the season. The rugged second-rower scored twice during the first half of Friday’s 24-6 home victory over Wakefield Trinity.
Shortly after his second score, Bentley was sinbinned for a high tackle on Thomas Minns and faces a nervous wait to discover if he will be hit with another disciplinary charge and possible suspension.
The close-season signing from St Helens was sent off on his debut against Warrington Wolves at Headingley – earning him a four-match ban – and also received a yellow card during the Easter Monday defeat at Castleford Tigers which saw him suspended for two games.
Read more : Leeds Rhinos talking points: Round pegs in round holes, Fusitu'a fires and fullback considerations
Bentley, who enjoyed an otherwise outstanding game against Wakefield, told Rugby League Live: “I was disappointed with the yellow card because that’s something I’m trying to get out of my game.
“At the time I didn’t feel I caught him high – I’ll have to watch it back and wait and see what happens on Monday with any possible disciplinary. I can’t change anything about it now, so what will be will be.
“I want to be playing my best rugby and felt like I took a step in the right direction towards doing that with my performance against Wakefield.”
New Leeds boss Rohan Smith said after the game that he does not want Bentley to lose the aggression which makes him such a fierce competitor. Bentley added: “Rohan gave me my debut at Bradford and I’ve enjoyed working with him since he came to Leeds.
“I think you can see that in how I’m playing and hopefully he brings the best out of me. I kept him in touch with Rohan after our time together at Bradford and, obviously since he’s come to Leeds, he has said what he wants from me.
“He’s talked to me about getting to the point where I’m simmering and having that competitive edge but not boiling over. I’m getting older and I need to learn to do that, especially with the game is going nowadays. I’m working on it and am just going to go out there and try and do it every week.”
Bentley, 24, hails from Morley and playing for his hometown club – and scoring his first tries in the blue and amber – marked the realisation of a childhood dream.
“It doesn’t get much better than that and this was my first win tonight with Leeds as well,” he added. “I’m buzzing to get off the nudey run but the main thing was getting the win. I’m absolutely made up with that because it’s two points and hopefully we can keep climbing the ladder.”
