But his time away from the game was not deprived of benefits, as he became a teacher aide at Heatley State School.
Bell said it gave him something to get up for every morning, while also an insight into what life after rugby league may be for him.
He said football was never going to last forever, but his experience working with the school students opened his eyes to a new future he had not previously considered. NRL; North Queensland Cowboys training at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Michael Bell . Picture: Alix Sweeney
“I really enjoyed it. It was awesome. I’d never really done something like that before,” Bell said.
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The CQ Capras under-18s can âhold their heads highâ after their Mal Meninga Cup campaign, according to coach Kane Hardy.
Their stellar run came to an end in Saturdayâs semi-final against the Townsville Blackhawks in Brisbane.
The Capras were edged 28-24 after coming back from 12-nil down and leading by six points midway through the second half of the seesawing contest.
Hardy said the loss was âheartbreakingâ but praised his talented outfit for their amazing efforts throughout the season.
The Jai Hansen-captained outfit convincingly won their six pool games, becoming the first team in Capras history to finish on top of a QRL statewide competition ladder at the end of the regular season.
CQ Capras 18s can hold their heads high gladstoneobserver.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from gladstoneobserver.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Unity and pride in the jersey are fuelling the Capras under-18s in their Mal Meninga Cup campaign, according to skipper Jai Hansen.
The team is the first in the club’s history to finish on top of a QRL statewide competition ladder at the end of the regular season.
They were unbeaten in their six pool games are now gearing up to take on the Townsville Blackhawks in the semi-final on Saturday.
Hansen said he and his teammates could not wait for the 3.30pm kick-off at Brisbane’s BMD Kougari Oval.
“The Blackhawks are a very strong team, but we’ve just got to stick with the way we’ve been playing,” he said.
TALENT ALERT: Capras 18s line-up for semi showdown gladstoneobserver.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from gladstoneobserver.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.