Leeds Rhinos skipper admits star signing had a tough start to life at club in 2022

Last year, Leeds struggled at the start of the season increasing the pressure on the new signings at the club especially James Bentley after he was sent off in his debut for a high tackle and subsequently banned.

Bentley finished the season incredibly well scoring twice as Leeds won the semi-final against Wigan Warriors and this week returned for pre-season after representing Ireland in the Rugby League World Cup.

On his return, skipper Kruise Leeming has opened up on Bentley’s role at Leeds and his difficult start:

“It is good to have him back. He didn’t start the season how he wanted to, he wanted to make amends and finished the season really well for us.

“It is important for him to kick on now and cement his spot.”

He is also excited by the young players in the squad – who have been training long before Bentley’s return – and believes it makes for a very strong squad going into 2023:

“Young lads have been brilliant, our squad feels massive but really tight knit. It’s good that we have 30 players vying for positions.

“They’re tight knit, there’s no bickering even with guys going for the same position, there’s no falling out.”

Leeming is set to play alongside those youngsters and other Rhinos senior players on Boxing Day against Wakefield Trinity.