Leeds Rhinos forward outlines three major goals for 2025 after injury-hit 2024

Leeds Rhinos forward James Bentley has outlined three key aims for 2025.

The 27-year-old Ireland international wants to enjoy his rugby, reestablish himself in the starting second-row and secure a new deal with his home city club.

Bentley is out of contract at the end of next season, having endured an injury-hit season this year.

A concussion at Easter ruled him out until July and he had to settle for a place on the bench in Rhinos’ final nine games of the campaign, coming on as a replacement prop.

With second-rower Rhyse Martin having moved on to Hull KR and overseas pair Keenan Palasia and Cooper Jenkins being brought in to strengthen Rhinos’ front-row options, Bentley insisted 2025 is set to be “a big year for me, definitely”.

“I am off contract so I want to play well and earn a new deal and enjoy playing again,” the former Bradford Bulls and St Helens man said. “That’s the main thing for me.”

Leeds Rhinos forward outlines 2025 goals

Along with all players entering the final year of their contract, Bentley has been free to talk to rival clubs from the start of this month.

He stressed: “Ideally, I’d like to stay. I have got to wait and see what happens, but I have got to play well.

“I haven’t really played much in the last few years, with injuries and whatnot. I just want to have a good year, focus on my rugby and the rest of it will take care of itself.”

On switching back to his specialist position, Bentley reflected: “When I came back last year, Rhyse [Martin] and Macca [James McDonnell]  were playing really well in the second-row.

“Me and Brad [Arthur, Rhinos’ coach] had a chat and that was the role he wanted me to play in the team, so I did that.

“I enjoyed playing in the middle, it was something a bit different, but I feel my attributes are best for the back-row.

“My goal is to get in the team every week and be playing 80 minutes.

“We have signed well, two big lads – a bit bigger than me. I think the club has recruited really well and I am looking forward to playing with the new boys and getting out there.”

Leeds Rhinos reached Old Trafford in Bentley’s first year at the club but finished eighth in each of the past two seasons.

“We have underachieved the last couple of years so we need to get out there and start performing,” he vowed.

“Brad has been good and you can see what he has changed in the short time he was here last year and what he is bringing in now in pre-season.

“I am really looking forward to this year, I am excited and I can’t wait to get out there and play.”

Rhinos have been in training for around a month and Bentley reckons preparations are going well.

“I’m enjoying it,” he stated. “He [Arthur] is working us hard and I enjoy all that grind and pushing myself, so I’ve really been enjoying pre-season so far.

“I am fit and healthy. I got a good few games in at the back end of last year after my concussions and my body is in good condition. I am raring to go.”