Cody Bell, Father Chris Bell and Kaidan Bell
The Yass Magpies’ current road to redemption owes much to the foundation laid by Cody and Kaidan Bell. Travelling from further down the Hume, from Gundagai and Tumut, the brothers, close in age and friendship, grew up playing Rugby League in their hometown of Gundagai.
It was there, last year, that the brothers, alongside a strong Gundagai side, led by stalwart Mark Elphick, defeated the Albury Thunder in the last minutes of the big dance. Kaidan put up a towering bomb, which bounced next to the Thunder uprights and was grabbed from the air in-between two defenders by good friend Toby Dasey. The fiery outside back was too quick and too strong and scored next to the posts.
Gallery from the 2024 Grand Final win where Kaidan won Best on Ground.
It was Cody’s call to his older brother minutes earlier in the game that led to the win. He simply said, “You better win this game for us now, Kaidan.”
The older yet more diminutive brother stepped up and got it done, but it goes both ways. With Cody’s try-scoring feats responsible for him leading the ladder in the 1st grade competition earlier this year, he has come under plenty of attention too.
It’s hard to miss Cody, who stands around 6’3 and 105 kilograms. His ability to feed off his brother’s brilliance is not masked by his ability to make his own opportunities. He can stop and start, get distance between himself and defenders and break free with a strong fend and a great left-foot step. How both of these brothers did not make an NRL system is startling.
They had their time in Gundagai and are appreciative of the opportunities that Coach Luke Berkrey and the Committee have given them at Yass in 2025. They remain yet to be signed for year 2026. Despite fielding plenty of offers, some informal, and after matches concluded against opponents and some more serious.
When the Grand Final concluded in 2024 against Albury, Cody didn’t jump around and celebrate; he looked for the first Thunder hand he could shake or player he could put an arm around. Even at 20, he has met with triumph and disaster and treated those two imposters just the same.
They love their footy and may stick together, but there may be a chance they will part ways in 2026. Time will tell. The talent is there, but where will the Bells go? Will we hear the commentary team scream out, “Ringa ding ding, the Bells are in” in the Canberra League or will it be Group 9 in their old stomping ground?
For Whom The Bell Tolls…. Wherever it Tolls, it will be explosive for the Bells; they play like dynamite.
Cody said, “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Yass this year. I’m grateful for the opportunities they’ve been able to present me with and hope I’ve done a good job at repaying their faith.
“I think there’s some interest from Yass in keeping me in town beyond this year. We will have to wait and see. I like playing for the Club, but it’s a big effort in terms of travelling and training. Regardless of what happens, I’ve learned a lot here under ‘Berks and am thankful to President Timmy Clayton for giving us a chance to showcase our abilities at this level.”
Kaidan said, “We’re both extremely thankful for the opportunity Yass presented us through Berks and Tim. I think, as a player, ‘Berks has a reputation as a hard player, and he certainly lives up to that.
Neither Cody nor I have committed to a team next season. We’re sitting back and assessing our options.”
Kaidan after signing with Yass earlier this season.
With both Bells set to be off contract at the end of the year, there has been confirmed interest from multiple Group 9 Clubs as well as interest in the Canberra Raiders Cup, including their current Club Yass.
On paper, the ideal situation for Kaidan, especially, would be Tumut. The Blues have a great group of both veterans and young talent that have performed above expectations this year in Group 9. The versatility he offers, being able to play on both the left and right side of the field, would be invaluable for Tumut, and the idea of him playing off a great forward pack would have Blues faithful salivating. The fit makes perfect sense from the player’s point of view, not just in a footballing sense, but with his current living and working in Tumut, it’s a glass slipper fit for the young half.
Cody shares in his brother’s versatility, being able to play across the backline as well as his size, providing back-rower potential. Murmurs have pointed to a potential move back to Gundagai, whilst multiple top-level Group 9 teams, including Tumut, Wagga Roos and Temora could use his services.
More About Cody Bell: From Gundagai Best & Fairest to Magpies Powerhouse
Cody displaying great sportsmanship by consoling an Albury opponent right after the full-time whistle.
Before lighting up the fields for the Yass Magpies, Cody Bell was already a standout in Gundagai. His imposing physique – 6’3” and over 100 kilograms – combined with his explosive afterburners and long, powerful strides, made him a force to be reckoned with in the Tigers’ Reserve Grade. That grand final-winning season was a testament to his dominance, culminating in him being named the competition’s Best and Fairest. This recognition underscored his consistent impact, his ability to break tackles, and his relentless pursuit of the try line, traits that have seamlessly translated to his role as a key centre/winger for the Magpies this season. He remains a nightmare for opposition defences, utilising his raw power and deceptive speed to gain meters and cross the whitewash consistently.
Kaidan Bell: Gundagai’s Playmaking Prodigy to Magpies Strategist
Kaidan converts from the sideline.
Kaidan Bell’s playmaking prowess, now a cornerstone of the Magpies’ attack, was similarly forged in the heat of battle with the Gundagai Tigers Reserve Grade. His ability to orchestrate plays, read defences, and provide those crucial “eyes” that deceive the opposition was evident even then. That successful grand final season saw Kaidan consistently setting up his teammates, demonstrating the tactical nous that has since blossomed under the mentorship of players like Luke Berkrey. Coach Berkrey’s observation that Kaidan “turned into a legitimate first grader this year” with his “talent undeniable and the more responsibility I’ve put on his plate this year, the more he’s flourished,” speaks volumes about the foundations built in Gundagai. Kaidan’s capacity to deliver perfectly timed passes and create line breaks for his back-rowers has been a tantalising aspect of his game, a skill set honed through years of dedicated play, culminating in that significant reserve grade triumph.
Together, Cody and Kaidan Bell’s journey from leading the Gundagai Tigers to Reserve Grade glory, with Cody’s Best and Fairest season a particular highlight, has prepared them for their impactful roles with the Yass Magpies. Their past achievements serve as a strong indicator of their present and future contributions to the team.
Whilst their futures are up in the air, their pure abilities are up for no debate; they’re on video for the world to see. The question is which Club takes the plunge and gives the brothers with a near telepathic connection a chance to shine on an even greater stage?
Tully Potts