League: Kiwi hooker looking to make mark with France

MANCHESTER- After being snubbed by Scotland and failing to make a big impression on new Catalans coach Kevin Walters, New Zealand-born Frenchman Kane Bentley goes into Sunday's (NZT) game against the Kiwis as a man on a mission.

Hooker Bentley has attracted considerable interest from British clubs since scoring a try as France grabbed a shock 12-4 halftime lead against England in the Four Nations opener on Friday night before failing 34-12.

The 22-year-old, scored three tries in 12 appearances under Walters at Catalans this year and was reportedly offered to Scotland for their European Cup campaign - and rejected.

"I'm trying to prove myself every time I play," Bentley said.

"It's going to be a big thing and a bit bizarre at the same time, playing against my own country.

"But I'm really looking forward to it."

Former Kiwi Se'e Solomona played a key role in Bentley moving to France at the age of five, qualifying him for the French and leaving him "in love with the country" Father Andy Bentley moved from New Zealand to the north of England for work two decades ago and played amateur football in Oldham, where Solomona was a big name import at the local professional team.

A relative of Solomona's played in the same amateur side as Bentley and invited him to come to La Reole in the south-west of France, where he had won a contract.

"So dad went to La Reole and got a contract.

"He had a season there and we moved over and we've stayed there ever since," Bentley says of his family, consisting of brother Andrew, who also plays for Catalans, and mother Maureen who has Scots roots.

Andy, Maureen and Andrew will be on hand at Stade Ernest Wallon this Sunday and were keen viewers as Les Chanticleers threatened to kick off the Four Nations with a big upset last week at Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster.

"We were really excited (at halftime)," Bentley recalled.

"Bobbie (Goulding, coach) said "no pressure, just keep it cool".

"We were happy about the first half and we tried to do the same in the second half but England just dominated us.

"But it was a good game. Everyone gave their best and hopefully we do the same against the Kiwis."

And despite overtures from across the Channel and whispers linking him to the local team at test venue Toulouse, Bentley hasn't given up on staying at Catalans.

"Hopefully I can have more field time next season with the Dragons," he said.

"Hopefully Kevin Walters will put me in the squad more. We spoke about it... we'll see what happens."

- NZPA