Hull FC have confirmed their fifth signing for 2026 with the Black and Whites signing a second St Helens forward.
James Bell will make the move to the MKM Stadium in 2026 with reports of that move first emerging in March from Serious About Rugby League.
Bell will join current St Helens teammate Joe Batchelor, who had been announced as FC’s fourth signing earlier in the evening.
The pair become the fourth and fifth additions for 2026 alongside Leeds Rhinos prop Sam Lisone, NRL playmaker Jake Arthur, and York Knights’ Connor Bailey.
St Helens had confirmed the departures of James Bell and Joe Batchelor ahead of their end of season awards on Tuesday night, and Hull FC have wasted little time in announcing the pair as additions for next season.
A club statement announced: “Hull FC are delighted to confirm that James Bell has made the switch from St Helens to the MKM Stadium, joining the club on a three-year deal.”
Hull FC sign James Bell to three-year deal
It’s a very significant signing with Bell among Super League’s most versatile and consistent forwards ahead of his injury-stricken 2025 campaign.
The 31-year-old signed for St Helens in 2022 and went on to make 81 appearances, having previously played for New Zealand Warriors, Toulouse Olympique and Leigh.
Speaking on the move, Bell said: “I’m really excited to get involved, but most importantly for me, I’m super excited to earn the respect and trust of my new team mates next year.
“My game is all about energy and experience. But there’s still plenty of room for me to keep learning from John Cartwright, as well as playing with somebody as skilful as John Asiata.”
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Bell is also keen to link up with his new teammates, many of whom he played against back Down Under, as he explained: “I grew up playing with and against Sam Lisone, Herman Ese’ese and Ligi Sao. So I know a few of the boys over at Hull, but I can’t wait to get stuck in and meet all of the other boys to start building those relationships.
“As I said earlier, my intention is to come over and earn the respect from everybody in the Hull FC family. That’s not just the players and coaches, but also the staff at the club and the fans in the stands.”
Director of rugby Gareth Ellis said: “James is a fantastic addition for us and he is somebody who I believe will serve our club with great distinction.
“I know that leaving St Helens was a decision that James didn’t take lightly, but at the same time, he and his family are really excited for a new chapter in their lives in Hull, and we welcome them with open arms.
“His ball-playing capabilities give us another option in the loose forward ranks, and his versatility will allow him to support others in the pack.”
