James Bell is sponsored as a St.Helens player by i-Life Travel.
The versatile forward will be exploring a new opportunity at the end of this season, his fourth year with the Saints.
Making the move to the Totally Wicked Stadium from Leigh Leopards (then Centurions) ahead of the 2022 season, James has played in both the back-row and loose forward positions.
In his first campaign, he featured 17 times as the Red V went on to win the 2022 League Leaders’ Shield and a fourth successive Super League title at Old Trafford.
Then, in his second season, we saw the best of ‘Belly’, who featured in all but two matches in the year. James played his part in St.Helens beating Penrith Panthers in Australia to bring home the 2023 World Club Challenge trophy. He finished that year deservedly winning both the Members’ and Players’ Player of the Year Awards.
The 31-year-old has played 82 times for the Saints, scoring nine tries for a total points tally of 36 so far.
James Bell celebrating the 2023 World Club Challenge victory with Saints fans
Discussing his time with the Saints so far, James Bell told saintsrlfc.com: “I’ve loved my time here. It’s been the highlight of my career being able to join such a proud Club, with such a proud history. I got to play alongside the likes of James Roby, Louie [McCarthy-Scarsbrook], Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley – I could go on and on.
“I like to think that, on my day, I did the jersey proud because that was my intention every week. Any opportunity I get, I want to give my all for this club.
“The amount of support that I’ve had from our fans has been unreal. This is the first time that I’ve considered a Club a home with my family, and I’m gutted to be leaving. However, I know that the Club’s got so much young talent coming through, and it’s going to be in a good place.”
St.Helens Head Coach Paul Wellens commented: “Ever since James arrived at the Club, he has embodied all that we value here at St.Helens. He has a fantastic work ethic and is admired and respected by all of his peers, evidenced by him being voted the Players’ Player of the Year in 2023.
“Belly’s approach to the game is refreshing, and watching him play, you can see the enthusiasm and enjoyment he has for the sport.
“I speak on behalf of everyone in the Club when I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”