Two of Super League’s biggest teams are going toe to toe in what feels like a heavyweight boxing match as Leeds Rhinos host St Helens.
The last time Leeds Rhinos were at Headingley, a former St Helens star James Bentley was in the thick of it against the Catalans Dragons and after the game Sam Tomkins, speaking on Sky Sports, was critical of his indiscipline and said he isn’t an elite player.
Bentley returns tonight for Leeds against his former club and Tomkins was asked if he stood by his statement.
He said: “I don’t take back what I said. He is still ill-disciplined in too many moments, but not every moment and not every incident is a red or yellow card.
“You have to ask yourself about James Bentley, what is he known for? He is known for getting under people’s skin and trying to take people off their game.
“But at the same time I also think he and other players can just as easily take him off his game and I think that is a massive weakness at times.
“Then you look at tonight, who knows James Bentley better than anyone? It’s St Helens and they know him better than anyone, what he’s about.
“They will know what to do to get him off his game and I fully expect he’ll be a target, because many of those players in that Saints team know him inside out.”
Sam Tomkins has his say on Leeds Rhinos
Tomkins also had his say on the Leeds Rhinos as they take on the heavily fancied St Helens.
The Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons legend said: “I think Leeds always have moments in games where they play well, they will have a spell tonight when they play well but I think Saints will be at their best.
“Saints will put in an 80-minute performance tonight, they will be reeling from that loss last week and will be determined to not lose back-to-back games.
“It’s the worst time to be playing Saints, they will be up for this game and Leeds will come with their usual game, but they will need to do more than play in patches to win tonight.”
