Leeds Rhinos provide update on James Bentley after being stretchered off

Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants are locking horns at the John Smith’s Stadium as the two battle with Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils for the final play-off spots.

However, the game is now 15 minutes behind schedule after a worrying incident saw James Bentley stretchered off by medical staff who rushed to his aid after a collision.

As per the Huddersfield Giants official social media channel, Bentley has been taken in an ambulance out of the ground.

Leeds issued an update on the player confirming he was talking as he was helped from the field of play which is an encouraging sign after a worrying incident.

The club said:

The second row chased a high kick brilliantly, Jake Connor rose high to collect and Bentley a committed player was determined to get under the kick and copped a knee to the head and appeared out straight away.

He is now set to be stretchered off.

The incident comes after Leeds fell 6-0 behind to an early Sam Halsall try. The winger finished off in the corner after a bounce pass found Jake Connor who set the winger away for a diving finish in the corner.

Olly Russell kicked the goal to give the Giants a 6-0 lead early on in the game. Leeds had an early attack which led to a moment where Harry Newman was taken late.

It was brilliant play as Newman and Ash Handley linked down the left hand side with Sam Walters storming towards the line before being dragged down by great cover defence.

Newman went off with a Head Injury Assessment but passed it allowing him to replace Bentley who received lengthy treatment on the pitch as a quick exit route off the pitch via the corner for an ambulance.

It is a sight no one wants to see on a rugby field or indeed anywhere. He was given a round of applause as he was helped from the field by great medical staff who carried him off the pitch to the corner where he was taken in an ambulance.

Our thoughts are with the Ireland international at this time and we hope that he is soon okay to return to the field of play.

Unfortunately, after the game was restarted, his Leeds teammates conceded another try to Kevin Naiqama as things go from bad to worse for the Rhinos in what was a must win game for the club in the hunt for the play-offs.