St Helens have confirmed the exit of another of their off-contract forwards having already announced Joe Batchelor’s departure.
James Bell will join him in leaving the club with the Scotland international set to join Hull FC in 2026, something that Serious About Rugby League reported back in early March.
It’s expected that Hull FC will formally confirm Bell’s arrival in the coming days and weeks as their season comes to a close, especially after St Helens’ announcement of his exit.
Bell was one of several St Helens players off-contract and he becomes the latest confirmed exit after Morgan Knowles (Dolphins) and Tee Ritson (Barrow Raiders), with both Jon Bennison and Joe Batchelor also set to leave at the end of the season.
Whilst injuries have disrupted his 2025 season, James Bell has been one of the most reliable forwards for St Helens during his four seasons at the club, having joined from Leigh prior to the 2022 campaign.
St Helens confirm James Bell exit ahead of Hull FC switch
St Helens released a statement confirming Bell’s exit as they announced that he will leave to ‘explore a new opportunity’.
In total, he has donned the Red Vee 82 times across four seasons but just seven of those appearances have come in 2025 as injuries have troubled him.
His 2023 campaign was arguably his best in a Saints shirt as he bagged the Members’ and Players’ Player of the Year award, having played 31 games including in the World Club Challenge win over Penrith Panthers.
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Speaking on his exit, the 31-year-old said: “I’ve loved my time here. It’s been the highlight of my career being able to join such a proud Club, with such a proud history. I got to play alongside the likes of James Roby, Louie [McCarthy-Scarsbrook], Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley – I could go on and on.
“I like to think that, on my day, I did the jersey proud because that was my intention every week. Any opportunity I get, I want to give my all for this club.”
Addressing fan support and the club’s future, he said: “The amount of support that I’ve had from our fans has been unreal. This is the first time that I’ve considered a Club a home with my family, and I’m gutted to be leaving. However, I know that the Club’s got so much young talent coming through, and it’s going to be in a good place.”
Head coach Paul Wellens added: “Ever since James arrived at the Club, he has embodied all that we value here at St.Helens. He has a fantastic work ethic and is admired and respected by all of his peers, evidenced by him being voted the Players’ Player of the Year in 2023.
“Belly’s approach to the game is refreshing, and watching him play, you can see the enthusiasm and enjoyment he has for the sport.
“I speak on behalf of everyone in the Club when I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
James Bell will depart the Saints at the end of the 2025 season.
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— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) September 15, 2025
