A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative forward, he played his club football in the NRL for the Parramatta Eels, and in the Super League for Hull Kingston Rovers, who he also captained.

Vella made his first grade debut for Parramatta against North Queensland in Round 11 1998 at Willows Sports Complex.

Vella was selected to play from the interchange bench for New South Wales in Game II of the 1999 State of Origin series.

[4] Vella played for the Parramatta Eels at prop forward in their 2001 NRL grand final loss to the Newcastle Knights.

[5] Vella returned to the field midway through the 2005 season and was part of the Parramatta side which won the minor premiership that year.