Martin Bella

Burly Mackay forward had a long and eventful rep career but despite being twice a Kangaroo (1986 and 1990) and touring NZ (1989) and Papua New Guinea (1991), Bella never seemed to be on the right side of the national selectors. The Brisbane Easts prop played for Halifax in 1984-85 but first came to prominence after moving to Norths. A 1986 Kangaroo tourist (no Tests), Bella made the first of his 21 State of Origin matches for Queensland in 1987 before making his Test debut in the Third Test against Great Britain in 1988. There was nothing flashy about Bella's style of play; head down and straight ahead - and he became the target for the selectors looking to change losing sides. Bella was dropped from Australia's World Cup team in 1988 and after switching to Manly in 1989, toured NZ without playing a Test. He played against France and NZ in 1990 and toured with the Kangaroos for a second time, but following the First Test loss to Great Britain, he was again out of favour. To his credit, Bella's most consistent performances were in the State of Origin arena, and his great form in Queensland's series win in 1991 saw him tour Papua New Guinea at the end of the year. 1992 was a disappointment and the following year saw him move to C’bury. Never one to suffer fools - and with a demeanor which did not endear him to the Sydney media - Bella returned to Queensland after the Bulldogs’ poor showing in the 1994 grand final and was lured out of possible retirement to play with the Nth Queensland North Queensland. He was cut from the club because of misbehaviour but just when retirement seemed the best option, he toiled with the struggling G’Coast club for two more seasons. Bella’s final match was in the club’s loss to Sydney City in the 1997 semi-final series.