James Bell

🔔 Versatile forward, James Bell is strong Saint who loves the physicality of games!

The Auckland-born forward began his rugby league career in New Zealand Warriors’ NYC (National Youth Competition) team, playing in their Grand Final win over Brisbane Broncos. A year later he graduated to the Warriors’ New South Wales Cup side, going on to be crowned their Man of the Year in 2016 – the same year he captained the New Zealand Māori rugby league team.

Bell made his senior NRL debut for the Warriors in 2017 before joining Toulouse Olympique where he played for the 2019 and 2020 seasons and then made the leap to Super League in 2021 with the then Leigh Centurions where he was a standout performer.

On the international stage, Bell has Scottish descent allowing him to play for the national Scotland side and has featured at both the 2017 and 2021 Rugby League World Cups and he has nine international caps to his name for the Bravehearts.

‘Belly’ has made himself very much at home since joining Saints ahead of the 2022 season, making 17 appearances establishing himself in the squad in both the back-row and loose forward positions, quickly becoming a fan favourite for his ball-playing skills and his strong tackling efforts as Saints went on to win a fourth straight Super League championship.

2023 was Bell’s best season in the Red V to date, firstly featuring in the historic victory over Penrith Panthers in Australia to secure the World Club Challenge trophy and St Helens R.F.C.’s third world title.

Under Paul Wellens Bell became a regular starter for Saints, featuring in all but two games in 2023 and winning both the Members’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at the Club’s annual presentation evening.

James showed his consistency in 2024, being able to continue being so impressive and starting more fixtures at loose-forward, and when he did come off the bench he displayed his game-breaking style of play.