When Richie approached me it was a bit of a no-brainer to join Hull

BELL DISCUSSES WHY HE LEFT SAINTS FOR THE BLACK AND WHITES

- By DAN TOMLINSON

Hull FC's James Bell, one of eight signings for 2026

(ALEXKATT PHOTOGRAPHY)

There are many different cogs aiming to get Hull FC spinning next year - and each piece is hoping to add its own value.

That's exactly what new recruit James Bell intends to do, with the loose forward determined to bring his own blend of rugby to his new club.

Ready to work in tandem with John Asiata and more, the 31-year-old, signed from St Helens on a three-year deal, is gearing up to play in a pack containing a mixture of force, power, and craft and add his own dimension to John Cartwright's side for 2026 and beyond.

"I just love getting my hands on the ball and ball playing," Bell, speaking to the Mail, said. "I don't think anyone does that as well as John, but we've both got pretty unique skill sets that we can bring to the table.

"I'm excited for that and to play with John, but what John brings to the game is pretty unique. I'm hoping to add a bit of that in my own way to the team and put my own little flavour in there and bring something a little bit different. But playing alongside John is going to be huge; whether we're rotating or on the field at the same time, it could be a huge benefit for the team. I'm looking forward to testing out those combinations."

That unique blend is what excites Bell. A lighter and arguably more agile form of middle, the new recruit believes Hull's forward pack all bring something different, from Sam Lisone to Herman Ese'ese, Liam Knight, Harvie Hill, Ligi Sao, and beyond, with all those different qualities helping to make FC tick.