Leeds Rhinos star attracting NRL interest, reports renowned Australian journalist

Leeds Rhinos forward James Bentley is attracting interest from the NRL, according to The Mole for Wide World of Sports.

The back-rower, who has made 35 appearances for boyhood club Leeds since arriving from St Helens ahead of the 2022 season, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Bentley ‘could well be playing NRL next season’, according to The Mole in his weekly column for Wide World of Sports.

He initially signed a two-year deal at Headingley Stadium, and could be one of a handful of big name players to leave the club at the expiry of the Super League season.

Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin had previously shared his belief that Bentley would leave the Rhinos at the end of the year, with his future not yet determined.

An Ireland international, Bentley won Grand Finals in 2020 and 2021 with St Helens, having spent four seasons at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Bentley has made a total of 74 Super League appearances to date, and represented his heritage at last year’s delayed World Cup, featuring under Ireland head coach, Ged Corcoran.

He played in every game in the group stages, scoring once, as Ireland missed out on the quarter-finals following defeats to New Zealand and Lebanon.

They defeated Jamaica in their opening round of the tournament 48-2.

Rohan Smith set for departures – James Bentley next?

Several departures have already been confirmed by Leeds head coach Rohan Smith.

Wigan Warriors confirmed the signing of rated youngster Sam Walters for the 2024 campaign on a three-year deal, while outside-back Liam Tindall is expected to leave the club at the end of the season.

Starting playmakers Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin both remain without deals beyond the current campaign, with a return to the NRL likely for the former.

32-year-old Sezer is expected to return Down Under, while Austin has made no secret of his ongoing contract situation, insisting he would like to stay at Leeds – while he is also open to a return to the NRL.

France international Mickael Goudemand will link up with the squad from Catalans on a two-year deal, while reported target and outside-back Lachlan Miller is expected to stay in the NRL with Newcastle Knights.

The side also reportedly missed out on Australian back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon, who opted to join Warrington Wolves next season on a three-year contract.

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