Bell looms as test bolter...

[gooSoi]

No this is one of those silly jokes LR likes to play

http://www.nrl.com/news.cfm?ID=10977

Bell looms as Test bolter

7 April 2005


Unsung Melbourne centre Steve Bell has emerged as a shock contender for the Australian rugby league squad to be named on Monday.

Bell is one of the NRL's most underrated players, but it seems the 27-year-old Queenslander is finally getting the recognition his outstanding record deserves.

It's understood his flying start to the premiership - rather than that of teammate Matt King - has caught the eye of national selectors, who will name a 22-man squad on Monday for the upcoming Test against New Zealand.

"I'd like to get a crack," Bell said of the April 22 clash with the Kiwis in Brisbane.

"The thing is all I can do is play good football. We'd like to see a few (Storm players) in there.

"Even though we're in Melbourne hopefully they look at us."

Bell boasts one of the most potent strike rates in the NRL with 53 tries in his 85 first grade games - a record which ranks him among the best in the game.

And his value isn't underestimated in the Victorian capital.

"He hasn't really got the raps he should," Melbourne captain Robbie Kearns said.

"He's one of those guys who enjoys flying under the radar. He just goes about his football.

"Within the club we know how important he is to us even if outsiders don't. He's a lean sort of bloke but he's strong.

"That's the same with the other centre Matt King. A lot of people don't realise how strong they are.

"They seem to bust a lot of tackles."

The stats back Kearns up.

Bell leads the NRL in line breaks with seven and trails only teammate Billy Slater in the try-scoring stakes, having scored four in the club's opening four matches.

The lack of viable centre options are also working in his favour.

Incumbent Willie Tonga has the mumps, Brisbane's Brent Tate was turned inside-out by King last weekend and St George Illawarra's Matt Cooper has a fractured cheekbone.

Only Brisbane's Shaun Berrigan can be regarded as a certain selection.

Chairman of selectors Bob McCarthy said he and his fellow selectors would be keeping close tabs on the weekend round of matches, including Friday night's Melbourne-Penrith game.

"We'll all be watching it," McCarthy said.

That game shapes as a crucial one for the Test selectors.

Hookers Cameron Smith and Luke Priddis are vying for the Kangaroos No.9 jersey, Craig Gower and Matt Orford are under consideration for the halfback spot, and fullbacks Billy Slater and Rhys Wesser are applying pressure to Anthony Minichiello.

"It's out of my control," said Minichiello.

"All I can do is play well in my next couple of games.

"My form is going alright. Obviously I can play better."

Meanwhile, former Test winger Timana Tahu has put his hand up for Test selection following an encouraging start as a centre at Parramatta.

Tahu played in the corresponding match last season and said he would be happy to move back to the wing if it meant getting a jersey against New Zealand.

"It will be a bonus if I make it," Tahu said.

"All I'm really worried about is playing good for Parramatta and myself.

"It will just be a good achievement to make the Australian side. I haven't got any problem if I get picked on the wing."


Brought to you by AAP

This would be a very interesting selection... and well deserved too might i add

[KimmorleyKiller]

yep, the blokes solid as a rock, he wouldnt let anyone down the in the green and gold thats for sure...

[Thunderstruck]

whoa, straight into green and gold, no maroon even

[Stormwarning[c]]

I said the same thing to another Storm supporter who pointed out the article.

There is no wat Bell would be considered by the ARL for a test jersey having not played SoO.

I believe this was another good exmaple to show some of our players thinging more about Rep footy then the team. Tonight provided it.

Hate to say I told you so Andrew

[Stubbsie]

I think this article is long over due.

[Lord Reynoldson]

No this is one of those silly jokes LR likes to play

I don't play any jokes! It was all NSM what started it, Thuderstruck takes care of it now.

[Thunderstruck]

No this is one of those silly jokes LR likes to play

I don't play any jokes! It was all NSM what started it, Thuderstruck takes care of it now.

I don't know who this Thuderstruck is but I have nothing to do with this

[Lord Reynoldson]

NEWSFLASH: Police are now hunting some lunatic wearing Melbournse Storm gear who knocked out QANTAS staff at Melbourne's Tullamarine airport in order to stow away on a plane and flee the country. If you find the culprit in your suitcase, be warned, you can be decieveing. It is recommended that you contact authorities immediately.

[gooSoi]

YEs but you are indeed NSM are you not

[TC]

Prediction.

There will be one Storm player named in the initial squad for the ANZAC test, but he won't play in the game.

Cam.

[Lord Reynoldson]

YEs but you are indeed NSM are you not

Well....maybe sorta.

[Mike_The_Undertaker]

I reckon there might be 2

Niether may play.

[Lord Reynoldson]

Prediction.

There will be one Storm player named in the initial squad for the ANZAC test, but he won't play in the game.

Cam.

I think that Scott Hill is still a chance to make the team. Especially if Kimmorley gets the halfback role.

[Mike_The_Undertaker]

I was thinking C.Smith and either King or Bell.

Wouldn't surprise me if Slater got a mention bt I doubt it.

[Christabella]

Prediction.

There will be one Storm player named in the initial squad for the ANZAC test, but he won't play in the game.

Cam.

I think that Scott Hill is still a chance to make the team. Especially if Kimmorley gets the halfback role.

Bennett is the coach: Lockyer will be the 5/8 and second rower will be picked at lock. Although Hill could be named in the squad I can't see a spot for him in the 17.
However I did just read a debate today on the NSW 5/8 postion, my thoughts are Barrett and if he's injured we'll see Hill, Kimmorely there. The selectors seem to think they have some sort of combination despite playing at different clubs for the last 5 seasons. I'm sure some of them think that they are a Grand Final winning combination as well

Also I must say Cam was really sweet looking when a guy asked him what he thought about his chances he said "I don't know, not great after tonight I guess" but I hope he gets a run in the team.