Bella following in dad's Queensland footsteps
ROSS Bella is headed down the same path his father took to rugby league stardom in the 1980s and ‘90s.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
ROSS Bella is headed down the same path his father took to rugby league stardom in the 1980s and '90s.
The Sarina prodigy has been included in the Queensland under-18 side to take on New South Wales in a curtain-raiser ahead of State of Origin game two.
Given Bella's pedigree, some would say this selection is another inevitable step towards emulating the success of his father Martin Bella, who boasts 21 Queensland caps.
"Making it anywhere near as far as he did would be great; he had a great career," a modest Ross Bella said.
"I didn't really get my hopes up for it, I just thought if I played well I might have a chance and it happened so I can't be any happier.
"It's definitely up there with my career highlights. This is the first time I've made it that high."
Bella was recently promoted from the Mackay Cutters' under-18 side, and offered a full-time senior contract.
He said playing Intrust Super Cup football was a short-term goal of his, but the North Queensland Cowboys scholarship-holder admitted he had much bigger ambitions for his future.
"I mainly just want to see if I can get a debut for the Cutters. It's something to aim for so I'll just keep working hard and see if that works," he said.
"(But) the NRL is my number-one goal.
"I'm with the Cowboys at the moment but I'd go anywhere (to play NRL); as long as the opportunity was there I'd go wherever."
Bella's naming comes less than a week after another Mackay Cutters youngster, Reuben Cotter, captained the Queensland under-16s to victory over New South Wales in the curtain-raiser to State of Origin game one.
Bella will join fellow Mackay junior Regan Grieve, who is now based in Townsville, and former Cutters coach Anthony Seibold when the under-18 Maroons step onto Sydney's ANZ Stadium on June 18.
Originally published as Bella following in dad's Queensland footsteps
Brothers in arms: The duo ready to take on Glenden
The Glenden Rodeo is back after an eight-year hiatus, and a pair of Mackay brothers are ready to take it on with everything they’ve got.
Scouting guide: 35 top performers from NQ Zone Championships revealed
Cricket Far North showcased why they are one of regional Queenslands best sporting competitions with a dominant display over Mackay-Whitsunday while Central Queensland romped to a 4-0 sweep over North Queensland. We reveal the 35 outstanding performers who made rep scouts sit up and take notice.