Leeds sign St Helens back-rower James Bentley from 2022

Leeds have signed St Helens back-rower James Bentley on a two-year deal from 2022.

Bentley, 23, played a key role in Saints’ Grand Final success last November and will return to West Yorkshire after beginning his career at Bradford in 2016, having originally been part of Featherstone’s scholarship programme.

The Ireland international joined St Helens in 2018 and currently wears the number 12 shirt under head coach Kristian Woolf.

“I am looking forward to joining the Rhinos for next season. I am a Leeds lad and grew up supporting the team, sitting on the South Stand wall and dreaming of running out on the pitch as a Leeds player,” said Bentley.

“I have had a taste of success at St Helens and I want to make sure I come to Leeds and play my part in helping the team win even more silverware in the years ahead.

“I have had four really enjoyable years at Saints and made some great mates for life. I am doing everything possible to get back healthy and on the pitch as soon as possible and hopefully I can finish the year on the best possible note with St Helens,” added Bentley.

Leeds head coach Richard Agar said: “We are delighted to have secured James’ signature. He is a young British forward, who has developed tremendously well over the last couple of years where his form and achievements for St Helens have been outstanding. He is a real competitor, with a strong attitude and desire. He is a local lad who will add greatly to the crop of talented forwards we have in the club.”

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