Second rower James Bentley’s arrival at The Halliwell Jones Stadium has been after it was exclusively revealed by the Warrington Guardian last week that the Ireland international was on the verge of joining the club.
He will be joined in Sam Burgess’ squad by centre Josh Smith, who has impressed in the Queensland Cup competition for Brisbane Tigers and now gets his first tilt at first-grade rugby league.
Bentley has penned a one-year deal a fortnight after his surprise departure from Leeds Rhinos, with whom he was believed to have agreed an extended contract earlier in the year, was confirmed.
He has spent the past four seasons with his hometown club having previously played for St Helens, with whom he won two Super League Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup, and Bradford Bulls.
His arrival bolsters a back row that has suffered the departures of Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Sam Stone from last year’s squad, although the club are understood to be keen to secure Stone on a permanent basis following the expiry of his loan deal from Salford Red Devils.
“I’m really excited to be joining Warrington,” the 28-year-old said.
“It’s a fantastic club and I’ve had some tough battles against them over the years. The squad that’s coming together is really exciting.
“I can’t wait to get started and rip into pre-season, work with Sam (Burgess, head coach) to build my game, and do my bit to help the team have a big year.”
James Bentley in action against Warrington Wolves during 2025 (Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)
Smith is yet to play an NRL game but arrives in England following a 2025 campaign that saw him named as the Queensland Cup’s centre of the year.
The 24-year-old scored 10 tries in his 20 Queensland Cup games in 2025 for Brisbane Tigers while he led the competition for overall running metres (3,648) and post-contact metres (1,350).
Now, he says he is keen to take the chance to shine in Super League “with both hands.”
“I am very grateful and excited for the opportunity ahead of myself at Warrington and it is a move that definitely excites me, especially after talking to Gary (Chambers, director of rugby) and Sam about the club and the future aspirations,” said Smith, who has penned a two-year deal.
“I have always looked at Super League from afar and been a fan of it, so this is an opportunity that I wanted to take with both hands, to challenge myself and also take my game to another level personally.
“I am excited to get over there, meet my new teammates, coaches, fans and begin working for 2026!”
Josh Smith was named as the Queensland Cup’s centre of the year for 2025 having impressed for Brisbane Tigers (Image: Brisbane Tigers)
On his two newest signings, Burgess added: “James is a fantastic addition for us at Warrington.
“He’s got great Super League experience, is a fierce competitor, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact he can make within our playing group.
“Josh is an exciting centre with great potential. We’re looking forward to welcoming him into our group and for him to make his mark over here in Super League.”