Bradford Bulls sign James Bell on two-year deal

Bradford Bulls have signed forward James Bell on a two-year deal. The 32-year-old arrives after a single season at Hull FC, which he left by mutual consent, meaning he and the club agreed to part ways.

Bell's rugby has taken him across the world. He was born in New Zealand and has played for Scotland at the last two World Cups. He joined Hull FC from St Helens in 2025, and now heads to Bradford, where he will be reunited with a familiar face. BBC Sport reports that Bell previously worked under Bradford head coach Kurt Haggerty while on loan at Leigh Centurions. A loan is a temporary move to another club, usually for a set spell.

Bell is a second row or loose forward. Both are big-bodied jobs in rugby league. Second rows usually line up on the edge of the pack, carrying the ball into contact and making tackles. Loose forwards are more mobile, moving across the pitch to support the ball and chase down attacks. Teams value players who can do both, because it gives a coach options when the match changes shape.

Playing under a coach you already know can help a player settle quickly. Bradford will now want Bell to bring the same sort of work rate he showed earlier in his career, though how he fits into the squad will become clearer once the season gets going.

For Bell, the move offers a fresh start after a short spell at Hull FC. For Bradford, it adds an experienced forward with international pedigree to their pack. Both sides get a two-year commitment, which gives everyone time to settle in.