Leeds Rhinos supporters appear split on the news that the club have accepted a one-match ban for forward James Bentley. The Rhinos tweeted that they had made the decision not to contest Bentley's ban, which rules him out of Saturday's televised meeting with Catalans Dragons.
Bentley was penalised in last week's win over Castleford for a late hit on Tigers half-back Jacob Miller. At the time, only a penalty was awarded but the Ireland international was then cited by the Rugby Football League's Match Review Panel following the weekend.
He was handed a one-match ban, and Leeds decided not to appeal the suspension. It means that after a 2022 campaign which was punctuated with multiple suspensions, Bentley is being forced to sit out game-time once again after being handed a ban.
Read more: Kruise Leeming on verge of NRL move with Leeds Rhinos star set for exit
However, Rhinos fans are far from unanimous on the issue. Some, like John Tipple, felt the ban was fair, saying: "Understandable, such pointless thing to do. Got to keep your discipline!"
Jon Winter replied to Leeds' tweet saying: "Absolutely deserved and summed up our discipline in general" while other comments included one supporter saying they 'struggled to see what Bentley adds'. However, other Rhinos fans felt the ban handed down was harsh.
AH wrote: "Jeez if it was round the head then fair enough but he barely touches his arm. Soft."
The suspension leaves Leeds light in the hooking department, with Rohan Smith admitting after the Castleford defeat that Bentley was an option to play in the role following Kruise Leeming's request to be released from his contract. Corey Johnson and Jarrod O'Connor are now the only recognised hookers in Leeds' first-team squad.
Read next
Floodlight issues force Batley Bulldogs to make last-gasp stadium change to televised game
Leeds Rhinos hit with disciplinary blow as forward suspended for Catalans clash
Two new NRL clubs linked with Kruise Leeming as Leeds Rhinos exit looms
Jamie Jones-Buchanan provides Rohan Smith insight that explains Kruise Leeming style clash
Greg Eden sends Castleford Tigers board clear message on Andy Last as coach hunt continues
