Leeds Rhinos make statement on James Bentley suspension

Leeds Rhinos star James Bentley copped a one match ban after the game against Catalans Dragons.

Bentley was brilliant against the French club on Saturday night involved in some really tough moments but also concerningly for the Rhinos he also found himself wrapped up in some flash points within the game.

This included an altercation with Tariq Sims. After nearly eight minutes in the game at AMT Headingley Stadium, Bentley dived on a loose ball. Sims dived on Bentley catching him in the head sparking a response from Bentley with the backrower catching Sims with an elbow.

The incident sparked a lot of debate with former Catalans star Sam Tomkins saying he should have been sent off.

Neither man were shown a card but later in the game Sims was sin binned. Despite this, Sims was not charged by the Match Review Panel but Bentley was for “striking.”

Leeds Rhinos star set to miss Leigh Leopards clash

Bentley was charged with striking with the following charge going the way of Bentley: “James Bentley (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade B Striking – 1 Match Penalty Notice (Higher end of grade.)”

This will see Bentley miss the game against Leigh Leopards this weekend but will return in time to take on St Helens next weekend as he meets his former club in Round Five of Super League.

It seems Bentley will definitely miss the game against Leigh with the Rhinos indicating that they will not be appealing the decision saying that Bentley will miss the game against Adrian Lam’s Leopards.

Leeds Rhinos made the following statement: “Leeds Rhinos forward James Bentley has received a Grade B penalty notice for striking at the higher end of the grading following Saturday’s win against Catalans Dragons.

“The Irish international will now miss this Friday’s trip to Leigh Leopards.

“Justin Sangare has also received a Grade B charge for Head Contact but is fined £250 and no suspension.”

Fortunately, James McDonnell returned to the side against Catalans and can replace Bentley. Leon Ruan can also do that after impressing off the bench against the Dragons. He played a crucial role in Leeds’ winning try against the French club.