lit a candle 2h agoI don't really know rugby league or anything about this man, just read the piece about him tonight and didn't know what to say. Eighty seven years is a long life. Rest well, sir.
Their story
Cameron Wilson Bell, known throughout New Zealand rugby league as Cam, was a coach whose name is tied to some of Auckland's most celebrated provincial triumphs and to the New Zealand Maori side's historic appearance at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup. He died at Thames Hospital on 20 September…
Cameron Wilson Bell, known throughout New Zealand rugby league as Cam, was a coach whose name is tied to some of Auckland's most celebrated provincial triumphs and to the New Zealand Maori side's historic appearance at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup. He died at Thames Hospital on 20 September 2026, aged 87.
Born on 21 July 1939, Bell came from a large family steeped in the code. One of seven brothers and five sisters, he played for his beloved Manukau Magpies in an era when the Bell name often filled club lineups. Graduating into coaching, he guided Manukau to major Auckland titles, including the Rukutai Shield and Roope Rooster in 1984, when the club also beat touring English side St Helens 26-10. In 1985 he won the Hyland Memorial Cup as Auckland Rugby League coach of the year.
His greatest representative peak came as Auckland coach in 1988 and 1989. At Carlaw Park his side beat Great Britain 30-14 in 1988 and Australia 26-24 in 1989, then defeated Eastern Suburbs 26-12 despite missing several first-choice players. Future Warriors including Tea Ropati, Mark Horo, Kevin Iro, Tony Tuimavave and Duane Mann featured in those Auckland teams. Duane Mann later called him a magnificent players' coach with an exceptional rugby league mind, recalling Bell's simple philosophy: the ball will always beat the man.
Between February 1990 and April 1994 Bell coached Carlisle in England. He returned home to take the New Zealand Maori head coaching role from 1995 through the 2000 World Cup in the United Kingdom, where Aotearoa Maori beat Scotland but finished third in their group. In 1996 he coached Counties Manukau Heroes to the Lion Red Cup grand final victory. He later coached the Ngongotaha Chiefs in the 2001 Bartercard Cup and had a stint with Barrow Raiders in England after the Carlisle-Barrow merger era.
Bell's only son Dean became foundation captain of the Auckland Warriors and one of the game's legends; daughter Tracey and wife Janice survive him. Brothers including Ian, sister Cathy Bub Friend, and relatives such as Clayton Friend (Kiwi halfback) and Glenn Bell kept the family at the centre of New Zealand rugby league. A private cremation was held at his wish, with a memorial service to follow. He is remembered as an affable tactician who demanded skill, courage, discipline and commitment.
Biography adapted from Wikipedia (Cameron Bell (rugby league)); New Zealand Herald Ben Francis 23-24 Sep 2026; Warriors.kiwi Richard Becht tribute 22 Sep 2026; NZ Herald family notice 22 Sep 2026 (Thames Hospital 20 Sep 202.
In their own words
“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 philosophy was simple and memorable: the ball will always beat the man.”
“If I scored five tries and missed a tackle, Dad would highlight the missed tackle. Kids need praise but it certainly never did me any harm. He had a huge influence on me.”
“It's a thrill to have a son who's achieved as much as Dean, but it is a little bothersome when people insist on introducing you as Dean Bell's father!”
Photos
5Cameron Bell as New Zealand Maori rugby league coach, wearing an NZ Maori Rugby League cap.
by People Forever
Cameron Bell in coaching kit during his rugby league career.
by People Forever
Cameron Bell (centre, tracksuit) with players during his Auckland rugby league coaching years.
by People Forever
The 1989 Auckland side that beat Australia and Eastern Suburbs. Coach Cameron Bell is far right in the front row (Warriors tribute caption).
by People Forever
