Reforming James Bentley certainly hopes his second Headingley appearance for Leeds Rhinos lasts longer than his first.
The Ireland second-row is set to play there for the first time since being sent-off just 16 minutes into his debut against Warrington. Grand Final winner Bentley - an off-season recruit from champions St Helens - copped a four-game ban following his reckless high tackle in the Super League opener.
He only returned to action in last week’s feeble 26-12 loss at Salford - a fifth defeat in six games which led to boss Richard Agar quitting. Assistant coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan is in interim charge as battered Rhinos look to crucially arrest the slump against Castleford in the televised Betfred Challenge Cup sixth round tie.
“You couldn’t really write how it started for me,” said Bentley, after his dream move to his hometown club turned sour. "I was gutted. I only played about 15 minutes in my first game and I've not been able to help the boys while banned.
"Seeing them losing has been tough and everything that’s happened with Rich but I’ve got to put that behind me now. There was a cloud at the start of the week but it happened. Jonesy’s come in and just simplified everything. He’s made it clear what he wants.”
Jones-Buchanan was also a second-row and one of the sport’s most decorated after winning seven Grand Finals with Rhinos. Bentley, 24, used to watch him as a kid from the Headingley stands.
“Jonesy was part of that Golden Generation, one of those players you try to emulate,” said the ex-Bradford Bulls forward. "Having someone like that here to learn off, especially for me, has been great.
"He’s helping me with my game and trying to get me to learn how to control myself better - and not get myself sent off! It’s that sort of stuff that has hurt me.”
Renowned for his aggressive style, Bentley has endured disciplinary problems before but there is no doubting his quality. And he is desperate to lift the Cup after missing Saints’ Wembley win over Castleford last year due to a broken leg.
“I was gutted as I was just a few weeks off getting back,” recalled Bentley. "I’ve not played one yet. I’ve won everything else but not a Challenge Cup.
"It’s something I definitely want to get involved in. Cas have been similar to us. They've not had the best start but we just have to focus on us.”
