James Bell: Leigh hoping to use St Helens forward more this season

Leigh coach Adrian Lam says the more they can get James Bell from St Helens on dual-registration this year, the better it will be.

The Scotland international joined Super League champions Saints in the off-season on a two-year contract from Leigh, who suffered relegation.

Bell has yet to make his debut for Saints but returned to Leigh via dual-registration on Monday night, helping the Centurions win 26-16 at Halifax.

Speaking to Premier Sports, Lam said: “Belly was outstanding. He was certainly amongst everything.

“He’s a Leigh boy, he played here last year and the more time we can get him this year from Saints, the better.”

James Bell was born and raised in New Zealand and is of Scottish heritage. He qualifies to play for Scotland through the family heritage rule and he has won five caps for the Bravehearts since making his international debut in 2017.

He will be hoping to play in his second World Cup this autumn.

Challenge Cup awaits Leigh

Next up for Leigh is a sixth round Challenge Cup tie against Super League side Hull KR. The Centurions travel to Craven Park on Saturday, 3pm kick-off.

Lam added: “We’ve got a five day turnaround now whereas I think they’ve had eight days.

“It just gets harder and harder as it goes but it’s where we want to be as a club.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge for us to go up to Hull and we’re looking forward to it.”

Sixth round draw

Wigan Warriors v Salford Red Devils – Friday, March 25 (7:35pm) – Premier Sports

Sheffield Eagles v Hull FC – Saturday, March 26 (2pm)

Whitehaven v St Helens – Saturday, March 26 (2pm) – The Sportsman

Hull KR v Leigh Centurions – Saturday, March 26 (3pm)

Catalans Dragons v Featherstone Rovers – Saturday, March 26 (15:30)

Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers – Saturday, March 26 (4.30pm) – BBC

Warrington Wolves v Wakefield Trinity – Sunday, March 27 (2pm) – Premier Sports

Barrow Raiders v Huddersfield Giants – Sunday, March 27 (4:30pm) – BBC

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