The Kiwi has arrived at Hull and is determined to make the most of his stay.
James Bell in Hull FC’s 2026 home shirt.
James Bell is adamant that Hull FC can win some silverware within the next three years. One of eight new recruits at the Black and Whites, Bell put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the club at the beginning of last season and is determined to get his hands on a trophy in that time.
Aware of the next steps for Hull, the 31-year-old watched from afar last season as the club had a much-improved year, albeit missing out on the play-offs – and its that disappointment that is now driving them on.
Targeting the next level, Hull, who last won a trophy in 2017, want a finals finish, with Bell, who is currently nursing a minor knee injury picked up in pre-season, targeting the top after previously winning Super League Grand Finals and a World Club Challenge with St Helens.
“I think we can definitely bring some silverware to the table within the next three years,” Bell told Hull Live. “Fingers crossed we can do that but that’s a big reason why I signed here. I want to be successful.
“I think, on paper, we definitely have the team to do it, and we’re only going to get better. It’s just a matter of putting the hard work together in pre-season and the results will take care of themselves.
“But I think there’s no doubt about it… with the players that we have in this team, we expect to be playing finals footy and then go from there. That’s the key and I think that’s very achievable for this group.”
Aware of what it takes, Hull need to mix talent with honest and hard-working people, with the Kiwi believing the club – who have targeted leadership, attitude and the like in their resurgence – have the personnel to make their aspirations a reality.
“That’s probably 80% of it, having a good environment with the boys,” Bell continued. “If you’ve got that good connection on and off the field, you want to play with each other more.
“I think that’s what the club has done really well; they’ve got good people and again, I think that’s 80% of the challenge.
“There are some real experienced leaders in his team, and they know how to conduct themselves and how to perform – that puts us in good stead. Again, we just have to keep working hard.”
Already knowing a significant portion of Hull’s pack from his childhood growing up in Auckland, Bell too is very acquainted with another Hull FC signing: Joe Batchelor. The duo tasted success together at St Helens and it’s those leadership and attitude attributes that Hull are getting by the bucketload in the back rower, who has also signed a three-year deal.
“The signing of Joe Batchelor is huge for the club,” Bell said. “He’s a huge leader. There are already a lot of hard workers in the team, but Joe will bring that intensity even more.
“But yeah, hard work – that’s what it’s all about and that’s what we’re doing at the moment. That’s what pre-season is all about and the footy side of it will take care of itself down the track.”
Bell has also been impressed with John Cartwright, who has the task of continuing Hull’s upward curve on the Super League table next year.
“He’s a good fella,” Bell added. “He’s a really genuine person. I enjoy being coached by him. It’s early days but he’s got a really good sense of calmness about him. You can tell the boys really respect him. I think that’s huge. I’m really excited to see how the year plays out.“