In 1956 he toured the South Island with Auckland and in 1957 he was selected for the New Zealand national rugby league team (Kiwis) squad for the 1957 World Cup.

Bell didn't play in a game at the tournament, however he was retrospectively described to someone who "might have been a valuable interchange player".

[1] In 1958 Bell was part of the Auckland Rugby League's first ever Fox Memorial Grand Final, where the Ponsonby Ponies defeated Otahuhu 16–7.

Bell was sent off near the end of the match after disputing the referee's decision to send off teammate Joe Rātima.

[6] Bell stayed actively involved in rugby league for Ponsonby playing Golden Oldies into his 70s.