Vale, Cameron Wilson Bell A Tribute from Auckland Rugby League 

It is with great sadness that Auckland Rugby League extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Cameron (Cam) Wilson Bell, who passed away at Thames Hospital on 20 September 2026, aged 87. Cameron was a highly respected figure in New Zealand rugby league and a proud member of the famous Bell rugby league family. His contribution to the game extended across club, representative and national Māori rugby league, and his influence was felt by generations of players he coached and mentored.  Cam coached the Manukau Magpies and went on to lead Auckland representative teams with distinction. His tenure as Auckland Representative Coach was a particularly significant chapter in the history of the Auckland Rugby League. Under his leadership, Auckland enjoyed memorable success, including victories over touring Australian and Great Britain sides achievements that remain an important part of Auckland's representative rugby league heritage. In 1995, Cam took on the prestigious role of Head Coach of the New Zealand Māori rugby league team, a position he held through to the 2000 Rugby League World Cup. He carried that responsibility with enormous pride, passion, and respect for the people and culture he represented. Cam also achieved national success at provincial level, coaching the Counties Manukau Stingrays to victory in the 1996 Lion Red Cup National Competition.  

Cam's legacy lives on through his family. His son, Dean Bell NZRL and ARL Immortal and international rugby league legend, has spoken of the profound influence his father had on his own career: "Dad was a huge influence on my RL career ever since I picked up a ball as a kid. I know he was so proud of being the Auckland Rugby League Representative Coach and all that they achieved under his tenure, especially his wins against the Australian and Great Britian teams." 

Duane Mann paid tribute, saying: "Cameron was one of the great rugby league influences of my playing career. I had the privilege of playing under Cam in his all-conquering Auckland representative teams of 1988 and 1989, before captaining the Counties Manukau Stingrays in 1996 when Cam coached us to the Lion Red Cup national title. Cam was a genuine players' coach. He had an exceptional rugby league mind. He was a clever tactician who could see the game differently and communicate his ideas in a way players understood. His teams played tough, but Cam demanded skill, courage, discipline and commitment to the team. His philosophy was simple and memorable: the ball will always beat the man." 

Cameron's love of rugby league was never simply about winning games. It was about people, family, belonging, opportunity, and passing knowledge from one generation to the next. Auckland Rugby League acknowledges Cameron Bell's outstanding contribution to our game, and to the people who were fortunate enough to play for him, work alongside him or learn from him. 

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Janice, Dean, Tracey, Jackie, Paul, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the wider Bell family at this very difficult time. 

Moe mai rā, e te rangatira. Rest in peace, Cameron. 

On behalf of Auckland Rugby League, its Board, staff, clubs, players and the wider rugby league community. 

Article added: Tuesday 22 September 2026