James Bentley has been hit with a three-match suspension – 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 the Match Review Panel have now hit him 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’s three-game ban now means he will have missed nine of the Rhinos’ 17 games this season by the time he returns. Bentley, who enjoyed an otherwise outstanding game against Wakefield, told Rugby League Live on Friday night how he was trying to eradicate his ill discipline under new boss Rohan Smith.
He said: “I was disappointed with the yellow card because that’s something I’m trying to get out of my game. 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.”
