Mike Bennett is a former professional rugby league

Rugby league

Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...

 player. He played for Super League

Super League

Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...

 Rugby league

Rugby league

Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...

 club St Helens, mainly in the second-row

Rugby league positions

A rugby league football team consists of thirteen players on the field, with four substitutes on the bench. Players are divided into two general categories: "forwards" and "backs"....

.

Over the years, Bennett became something of a cult figure with Saints fans who felt that his no-frills, low risk style did not suit St Helens' 'entertainers' image. This resulted in several endearing ironic nicknames from the fans such as 'Basher Bennett' and 'Dangerous B'. However, the majority of the supporters recognize and acknowledge the hard work he did for the team.

Bennett announced on the 1st September 2008 that he would retire at the end of 2008 season due to injury.

External links

• Mike Bennett Player Profile
• Fresh start for Saints
• Bennett signs new Saints contract
• Long breaks Bulls' hearts
• Moore blow for England
• Cunningham to miss Ashes
• Profile at saints.org.uk