Van Bellen started his rugby league career at Huddersfield, and signed for Castleford in September 1970.

[5] He played prop in Castleford's 7–11 defeat by Hull Kingston Rovers in the 1971 Yorkshire Cup Final during the 1971–72 season at Belle Vue, Wakefield on Saturday 21 August 1971.

[7] At the end of the 1978–79 season, he appeared as an substitute in Bradford Northern's 2–24 defeat against Leeds in the 1978–79 Premiership Final at Fartown, Huddersfield on 27 May 1979.

He was also a substitute in the club's 6–0 victory over Widnes in the 1979–80 John Player Trophy Final during the 1979–80 season at Headingley, Leeds on Saturday 5 January 1980.

[7] While playing for Huddersfield, Van Bellen made one appearance for the Great Britain under-24 team in a 42–2 win against France under-24's on 17 April 1969 at Wheldon Road, Castleford.