St Helens coach Kristian Woolf expects James Bentley to be out for “an extended period” with the back injury he suffered against Catalans Dragons; Bentley is joining Leeds Rhinos for the 2022 Super League season
By PA Media
Last Updated: 07/09/21 7:41pm
James Bentley suffered a back injury in St Helens’ loss to Catalans
St Helens forward James Bentley may have played his last match for the defending Super League champions due to injury.
Saints coach Kristian Woolf says the former Bradford second rower, who is joining Leeds in 2022, is likely to be out for “an extended period” with a back injury sustained in his side’s Magic Weekend defeat by Catalans Dragons.
Bentley, who was hurt in a tackle by Sam Kasiano which earned the Dragons prop a spell in the sin-bin, will see a specialist next week, according to his coach.
James Maloney’s drop goal in golden point extra-time completed an epic Magic Weekend comeback from Catalans as they beat St Helens by a single point
“It is not a real good one,” said Woolf. “James has got some ligament damage around his spine. He could not finish the game and was in quite severe pain.
“James is really disappointed. He has more appointments with specialists next week and we are obviously hoping on the positive side there.
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“We are hoping for the best but there is a chance and likelihood that this could be an extended period.
“He is a good player – and you always miss your good players. For whatever period he is out for we will miss him.”
Bentley missed St Helens’ Challenge Cup final win over Castleford in July with a broken leg and will be absent against Leeds on Friday in the penultimate round of the regular season.
