Paul Bell (rugby league)

Summary

Paul Bell (born 14 January 1969), is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. He played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks from 1991–94, the Western Suburbs Magpies from 1995–96, the Perth Reds in 1997 and finally the Melbourne Storm in 1998-99. After his Australian career finished, he went over to England to play with the Leeds Rhinos in 2000.

Paul Bell
Personal information
Born (1969-01-14) 14 January 1969 (age 55)
Playing information
PositionCentre
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1991–94 Cronulla-Sutherland 58 7 0 0 28
1995–96 Western Suburbs 28 6 0 0 24
1997 Western Reds 14 4 0 0 16
1998–99 Melbourne Storm 39 12 0 0 48
2000 Leeds 4 0 0 0 0
Total 143 29 0 0 116
Source: [1]

Playing career edit

An Engadine Dragons junior, Bell made his first grade debut for Cronulla-Sutherland in round 5 1991 against Penrith at Penrith Park. Bell spent four years at Cronulla as the club failed to reach the final series. He then spent two years at Western Suburbs. In his final year at the club, Western Suburbs reached the finals and Bell scored a try in their 20-12 elimination final loss against his old club Cronulla at Parramatta Stadium. This was Western Suburbs last finals appearance.[2]

Bell then moved to the Perth Reds, at times deputising as captain for Mark Geyer. Bell played in Perth's last ever season before signing with Melbourne.[3]

Bell played in Melbourne's inaugural game in 1998 against Illawarra at WIN Stadium. Bell played with Melbourne until the end of the 1999 NRL season, but was not included in the grand final winning team. He then spent one season in England with Leeds before retiring.

References edit

  1. ^ "Paul Bell- Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  2. ^ "Western Suburbs Magpies First Grade Players". Wests Magpies.
  3. ^ "Storm players (1998)". melbournestorm.com.au. Archived from the original on 28 January 1999. Retrieved 21 July 2021.

External links edit