But his time away from the game was not deprived of benefits, as he became a teacher aide at Heatley State School.
Bell said it gave him something to get up for every morning, while also an insight into what life after rugby league may be for him.
He said football was never going to last forever, but his experience working with the school students opened his eyes to a new future he had not previously considered. NRL; North Queensland Cowboys training at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Michael Bell . Picture: Alix Sweeney
“I really enjoyed it. It was awesome. I’d never really done something like that before,” Bell said.
Rugby League by Peter Badel
Premium Content
Subscriber only Brisbane lock Pat Carrigan has suffered a suspected season-ending ACL injury as Cowboys fullback Valentine Holmes broke the Broncos hearts in a 19-18 thriller in Townsville. The braveheart Broncos produced one of their most committed displays in two years and looked to have posted their second consecutive win when they led the Cowboys 18-12 inside the final six minutes at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. But in a throwback to the 2015 grand final, the Cowboys cheated death again, Jason Taumalolo crashing over in the 75th minute before Holmes stepped up as the hero with a field goal three minutes from time.
Rugby League by Peter Badel
Premium Content
Subscriber only Brisbane lock Pat Carrigan has suffered a suspected season-ending ACL injury as Cowboys fullback Valentine Holmes broke the Broncos hearts in a 19-18 thriller in Townsville. The braveheart Broncos produced one of their most committed displays in two years and looked to have posted their second consecutive win when they led the Cowboys 18-12 inside the final six minutes at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. But in a throwback to the 2015 grand final, the Cowboys cheated death again, Jason Taumalolo crashing over in the 75th minute before Holmes stepped up as the hero with a field goal three minutes from time.