James Bentley: Leeds Rhinos star's ban INCREASED - forward ruled out for four games

Leeds Rhinos forward James Bentley's ban has been increased by one match by an RFL disciplinary panel.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The panel decided his challenge to an original three-match suspension was 'frivolous' and added an extra game.

That means Bentley, who was sent-off for a high tackle just 16 minutes into his debut against Warrington Wolves last weekend, will be sidelined until round six of Betfred Super League, missing games against Wigan Warriors, Catalans Dragons, Wakefield Trinity and Hull.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The second-rower was charged by the RFL's match review panel with a grade C high tackle, which normally leads to a ban of two-three matches.

James Bentley. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.James Bentley. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
James Bentley. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

He is the fourth Rhinos player suspended since the end of last season.

James Donaldson received a two-game penalty notice for a dangerous contact in the Boxing Day win over Wakefield Trinity and Blake Austin missed the Warrington match as he served a one-match suspension for a similar offence in a pre-season clash with Hull.

Brad Dwyer was sin-binned against Warrington and handed a one-match suspension which Rhinos decided not to appeal.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Warrington's OIiver Holmes also had his suspension increased after appealing against a one-match penalty notice for a grade B high tackle.

He pleaded guilty to a careless high tackle, but the panel ruled it was reckless and added a further match to his ban for a frivolous challenge.

He will miss Thursday's visit of his former club Castleford Tigers and the round three game at Toulouse Olympique.

Catalans Dragons forwards Dylan Napa and Gil Dudson will miss Saturday's game at home to Wakefield Trinity and the visit to Headingley five days later.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Napa, who was sent-off in last week's defeat at St Helens, was found guilty of grade D striking and banned for four games.

He had admitted a lesser charge of a reckless high tackle.

Dudson, sin-binned in a separate incident, pleaded guilty to a grade D punching and received a three-match suspension.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. You'll enjoy unlimited access to the latest on Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity, as well as other West Yorkshire rugby league clubs. With our sports digital subscription, you'll also see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times and get exclusive content. Click here to subscribe.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.