Bentley in confident mood

VALU BENTLEY... can’t wait for Sunday’s play-off final against York.

ROUGHYEDS loose forward Valu Bentley isn’t short on confidence.

The Kiwi, whose younger brothers Kane and Andrew ended the season playing for Catalans Dragons in Super League, has enjoyed a successful first campaign under coach Tony Benson.

By day a market stall linens trader in Royton, larger-than-life character Bentley is happy to proclaim his belief that nothing can stop Oldham gaining promotion against York City Knights this Sunday — provided the team sticks to its script.

“We are going to win it this time, because I am playing!” said Bentley, whose late try against York effectively secured the Roughyeds’ fourth successive play-off final appearance.

“That is what I have been telling everyone, anyway.

“There will be a big crowd there and the television cameras too so we are all looking forward to the occasion.

“I believe that if we stick to our game plan and do what we are told to do then there is now way we won’t win.”

Like his younger siblings, both of whom are naturalised France internationals, Bentley spent many years living across the channel.

Residing in the South-West of the country between Bordeaux and Toulouse, Bentley — whose wife is from Leigh — briefly played for Gateshead in 2006, but has spent most of his career at French clubs such as Villeneuve, Marseilles and the former UTC.

Still, despite the inclement weather, the 27-year-old is having a whale of a time on these shores.

“The season is going very well and I don’t want it to end, personally,” Bentley added. “Hopefully, we can finish on a high.

“This is probably the best club I have played for both on and off the field.

“It is a very honest club and that is being reflected by what we are achieving.”