After taking up Rugby League in 2016, Gentles had a big rise in the sport – starting at an East Leeds club before heading to Castleford Tigers where they were runners up in both the Challenge Cup Final and Grand Final, though won the League Leaders before making her England debut against Papua New Guinea in Goroka at the end of 2019.
2019 also saw Gentles, who played her trade on the wing at the time, nominated for the Woman of Steel Accolade.
Gentles was one of many Tigers players to make the switch to York in the early stages of the 2021 season. Over the next few years, York’s went on to claim numerous trophies including the League Leaders’ Shield in 2022 and Grand Final double the following year and the Grand Final in 2024.
Gentles gave birth to her daughter in 2023 – a year in which York won the League Leaders and Grand Final, though she did not take to the field in that season. Gentles returned to action in 2024 as an impact prop from the bench. She scored in both the Semi-Final and Grand Final for the Valkyrie that year as she helped York win their second consecutive Grand Final, becoming the first club in Women’s Super League history to defend their title with another Grand Final win.
Following an injury lay-off, she returned to action after signing for Huddersfield Giants late in 2025, scoring on her return and is now set to take on 2026 in the Cherry & White colours of Wigan Warriors alongside her stellar work on punditry for the Sport.
Speaking on joining the Warriors, Gentles said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Wigan Warriors ahead of the 2026 season. The Club’s history, ambition, and winning culture make it a very special place to be part of. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the team’s success and being involved in what promises to be an exciting year for the Club and its supporters.
“I also want to say a big thank you to everyone at Huddersfield for all the support they gave me during this year – I’ve really appreciated my time there and everything the club has done for me.”
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