MARK BELL

Name: Mark Bell
Years played: 1988-1991
1st Grade Games: 50 (Raiders) - 34 (Wests 1992-1993) - 7 (Penrith 1994) - 52 (St George 1995-1997)
Favourite position: Wing, Centre or Fullback
Memories of your 1st grade debut: It was against Manly (Round 8 - 1989) at Brookvale before a packed house. It was also the first time we'd ever beaten Manly at Brookvale. It was good to win and to also score a try in my first game.
Favourite ground to play on and why: Kogarah - a great atmosphere
Most memorable achievement/s with the Raiders ? Being a local junior and playing my first 1st Grade game was memorable - as I'd always wanted to play for Canberra (and play with Mal Meninga). I was an unused reserve in the 1989 and 1990 Grand Finals but played in the 1991 Grand Final. Growing up as a junior and getting to play with blokes who I'd watched play for QLD and Australia (Gary Belcher, John Ferguson, Mal etc) were memorable highlights.
Who would be the best player you have played with or against? With: I rate both Henry Paul and Kris Radlinski whom I played with at Wigan. Obviously Mal (who could play second row for Australia one game and the next was in the Centres !). But if I had to pick one it would be Laurie Daley. I still think the reason we lost the Grand Final in 91 was because Laurie wasn't fit - he played the game with a torn hamstring.......and they still just beat us. Against: Terry Lamb - for his competitiveness. Andrew Johns as well.
Worst injury you suffered ? I didn't suffer too many injuries apart from a couple of broken bones/ribs etc
Low point of your football career ? Being a Canberra junior and not being able to stay at Canberra. I'd played for Yass and also Belconnen United and having to leave the Raiders was a definite low point but a decision which was out of my control. Fans never get to see what goes on behind the scenes - e.g. conflicts over contracts. It was hard to focus on football when this kind of turmoil was happening.
Who were your Rugby League/sports heroes growing up ? Steve Mortimer, Steve Rogers - two great players who were my two heroes.
Hardest player to tackle ? Obviously Mal because he was such a big man. Michael Hancock was also a hard player to tackle as his arms and legs were everywhere.
Who was the hardest hitter you played with or against ? Joe Thomas, Dean Pay, David Gillespie. I remember when we were playing against Wests in the 1991 Semi Final and 'Cement' (David Gillespie) just smashed me.
Who was the fastest player you played with or against ? Brett Mullins.
Who was the toughest player you played with or against ? Trevor Gilmeister - technique wise he would just smash you - that's why you never let him get ahold of you !
Who do you think had the biggest influence on your career ? My girlfriend who is now my wife.
Greatest coach/coaches and why ? They've all played a different part but if I had to single out one it would be Brian Smith. I only played a handful of games under Tim Sheens, Warren Ryan was very good tactical-wise, Phil Gould was more of a motivational coach, John Monie helped me achieve things in England (played at Wembley) but Brian was the whole package who still has my respect.
Funniest team mate you played with ? The Walters Boys...Kevvie and Steve Walters. Boxhead was hilarious. Dave Barnhill liked to play a good joke as well, but without a doubt - Steve Walters.
How emotional was it for you to hang up your boots? Not at all I was ready - it was time.
Current whereabouts: Still living and working in the Canberra region.

(interview 6.8.09)