St Helens forward wants to make it ‘five in a row’ after signing new deal

Scotland international James Bell says he is hungry for more silverware after signing a new two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of 2025.

The 29-year-old forward has made 31 appearances for St Helens since arriving from Leigh ahead of the 2022 season.

Bell played in their 13-12 win over Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge earlier this year.

The New Zealand-born forward was out of contract at the end of the season – but he will now remain in the Red V until at least the end of the 2025 campaign.

Bell said: “It’s good to finally get it over the line.

“When I was about to sign the contract, I asked myself a couple of simple questions, if I’m happy, if my family is happy, and the answers were both yes, so I am really happy to be staying.

“We have a really good group here, I know a few of the boys from back home and the boys who are from here are really welcoming. I almost feel a part of the furniture now, so it’d probably be rude to leave.”

Hungry for more silverware

The Scotland international helped the Saints be crowned champions last season, but missed out on a spot in the team that played in the Grand Final victory at Old Trafford.

Bell did play in their World Club Challenge triumph this year though, which has left him wanting more.

He said: “Without trying to look too far ahead we want to go five in a row.

“That’s the goal, the whole team’s goal that we are going to go for, and we’ve got the Challenge Cup that the boys are really hungry for too, so it’s an exciting time for myself and the team. I’m looking forward to it.

“On a personal level, I want to be involved in those big games and try to keep my spot in the team.

“It’s still all new to me, the boys have all won so much and I’m at the beginning of my journey in terms of trying to win things, so hopefully I add that hunger to the group as well.

“What the boys are doing already is unbelievable but I’m hoping to add something to that as well.”

Paul Wellens on ‘easy decision’ to retain James Bell

Saints coach Paul Wellens said it was a ‘very easy decision’ to offer a new deal to Bell, who has represented his Scottish heritage in the last two World Cups.

Wellens said: “We are delighted that James Bell has chosen to extend his stay with the club.

“James has great enthusiasm, and ever since he came into the environment you can see how much he enjoys his rugby. That is infectious.

“He has very quickly earned the respect of his team-mates as they see how hard he competes on a daily basis, and I know that’s something the playing group value more than anything.

“On a personal level as head coach, it was a very easy decision to keep James around, a player with a lot of quality, a player who takes pride in his performance but most importantly a quality person who is a pleasure to work with.”

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