Les Bell (rugby league)

Les Bell was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s. He played for South Sydney and Parramatta as a centre. Bell was a foundation player for Parramatta and played in the club's first ever game.

Early life
Bell was born and raised in Gosford on the New South Wales Central Coast. Bell played locally for Gosford in the country rugby league competition before signing with South Sydney.

Playing career
Bell made his debut for Souths against North Sydney as a 17 year old in 1943. Bell played at Souths for 4 years but his time with the team was not very successful as they finished last in 1945 and 1946. In 1947, Bell joined newly admitted club Parramatta. On 12 April 1947, Parramatta played in their first ever game as a club against Newtown at Cumberland Oval. Parramatta went on to lose the match 34–12 with Bell kicking the club's first ever goals. At the end of 1947, Parramatta finished with their first wooden spoon after struggling all year managing to win only 3 matches. Bell played two further seasons with Parramatta and retired at the end of 1949.