James Bentley is being linked with a move to the NRL, but it's not the first time he's been on the radar of clubs down under. Reports in Australia claim the Ireland international has been shopped to clubs in the NRL about a move in 2024.
Bentley is off-contract at the end of next season and is now free to negotiate a deal. The news comes just days after a reported bust-up with England's Victor Radley, who is alleged to have headbutted the Leeds Rhinos star that has required him to have stitches.
It's not the first time news of Bentley going to the NRL has surfaced. Just last year, the back-rower was linked with Australian clubs and held extensive discussions. In fact, the agent that negotiated his eventual deal to the Rhinos, Craig Harrison, confirmed that he came close to signing with St George Illawarra Dragons.
Read more: James Bentley latest as Leeds Rhinos forward linked with move to NRL
"We had talks," Harrison confirmed to Leeds Live in an interview last year. "At this stage, the only way James was leaving Saints was to go to the NRL. We had a lot of talks, it was close, but discussions broke down in the last 48 hours - it just happens. It's one of them, that's how it works sometimes.
"He took it well. He loves the game of rugby league and he doesn't blink, he doesn't get disappointed. He's just that sort of person, he can pick something up like that."
It comes after one NRL coach told the Mole that they also looked at signing the Ireland international. "He was offered to us and we looked into him; there's no doubt he can play," the unnamed coach said.
"But his discipline is his undoing and that's why we decided to steer clear of him. Another club may decide to take the risk, though."
Bentley did curb his on-field issues under Rohan Smith and played a key role in their route to the Grand Final. He was sent off 16 minutes into his Rhinos debut. He was suspended three times in his first eight games and was suspended for nine of the first 17 games this season. However, his discipline improved markedly after that and was among Leeds' top performers during the shock run to the Grand Final.
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