St Helens have signed 19-year-old back rower James Bentley from Bradford Bulls on a three-year deal.

Saints confirmed the capture on their official website, stating they "beat off significant interest from other Super League clubs" to bring in the youngster.

Coach Justin Holbrook is delighted to have landed Bentley from the Bulls and backed him to improve further.

“James is a quality young player and we are pleased to bring him to the club,” he told the club website. “He’s powerful, strong and is consistent in his performances week in week out.

“He knows he has a lot of improvement in him too and he’s looking forward to developing in our system.”

Bentley feels the switch to Saints will help him develop further and he is looking forward to linking up with his new club.

He said: “I can’t wait to get over there and get started. It was a big decision to leave, an emotional one as well but I am looking forward to be playing at the top level. It is a decision I’ve made to further my career.

“I’m expecting the step up to be hard, it’s going to be a lot faster and a lot tougher but I am looking forward to and going head first into the challenge.

“I can’t wait to get over there; some of the players that they have like Ben Barba and Jon Wilkin, are just great players. I can learn from them and become a better player.

“I’m committed to the Bulls for the rest of the season I want to finish with my time here on a high.”