Jon Wilkin believes James Bentley will leave Leeds Rhinos at the end of the season. The Sky Sports pundit named the back-rower as one of the best players on the open market as they took a look at the list of off-contract players currently in the competition.
Bentley signed a two-year deal to join Leeds from St Helens but Wilkin, who had estimated his salary cap value at £125,000, thinks a move could be on the cards. In an added lure, Wilkin also stated that he did not expect Bentley to command the same pay packet as his current one.
"I think he signed for Leeds Rhinos from St Helens at the peak of his powers," Wilkin said. "He was in exceptional form. Since he's gone to Leeds, he's gone on top value... it's really not gone that well for him, he's had a number of disciplinary issues, a few injuries, so maybe his value isn't there.
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"But that presents an opportunity for a team. If you're looking for a competitor, or you need some grit, resilience and determination in your team, you need a strong, line-running back-rower, I think James Bentley could be a steal for somebody.
"I don't think he's going to command the price that he did to go from St Helens to Leeds. But there's certain teams in this competition that would relish having someone like James Bentley in there."
When quizzed on his thoughts on Bentley's future, Wilkin added: "I think he leaves Headingley, a Huddersfield or a Wigan, that gritty sort of culture built on defence, he's your man."
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