The Parramatta Eels Craig Bellamy, according to Junior Paulo, might be the guy to save the NSW Blues for the 2024 State of Origin series.
Paulo, who played in the front row in the most recent State of Origin series, has emerged as a leader of the forward pack and will almost certainly play a vital role in next year’s Origin series.
Paulo discussed the possibility of Bellamy coaching the NSW Blues in the 2024 State of Origin series, a post that is expected to be a five-month contract to replace Brad Fittler.
“There’s a lot of guys, past players, who have put their hands up and really excelled in that field of coaching,” Paulo told Wide World of Sports.
There are a lot of standouts, you know. Madge (Michael Maguire)’s name has been mentioned. Craig Bellamy, we’ve seen how long he’s been in charge of the Melbourne Storm and how successful they’ve been.
“There are men who have been there before and are willing to put their hand up. So, yeah, it’d be great to see someone in there.
“Look, I’m sure whoever steps into that role will be a proud New South Welshman eager to reclaim that shield.”
“Whoever it is, I’m sure all the boys will be pitting their best forward to be a part of that Blues squad again.”
It’s always an honour to represent the sky blue. We just have to go back and play some good footy and see what happens in the next year.”
Matt Cooper, a former NSW Blues centre and Dragons club star, has also backed the Melbourne Storm coach. Cooper, on the other hand, believes that in order to be successful in the Origin arena, he would have to give up his coaching position at the Storm, which he believes would be unfair to the club he is now coaching.
“To be honest, I don’t think you can coach an NRL team and coach Origin,” Cooper told Wide World of Sports.
“It is not fair to the NRL team they are coaching.” The coach is put through a lot during Origin. It must be an independent coach who isn’t currently coaching an NRL team.”
After Brad Fittler’s abrupt departure, Bellamy was one of several candidates for the Blues’ head coaching job. Other candidates include Laurie Daley, Michael Maguire, Matt King, Jason Ryles, and Michael Ennis, while Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has withdrawn his name from consideration.
In 2022, the 64-year-old Storm coach signed a one-of-a-kind contract with the club that allows him to choose whether he wants to remain as the club’s head coach or transition into a coaching director job at the end of each year, with Jason Ryles taking over as head coach.
“I think he would be a great choice,” Cooper remarked.
“I think he only has one more year of coaching.” Craig could come in, resign from the NRL, and then take over as full-time Origin coach.
“I’m sure Craig has certain players in mind who have played for New South Wales who could assist him in doing what Queensland has done – bringing in those younger type of coaches.”
“He’s going to retire and still watch football.”
“He’ll still have that passion.” I imagine he’d be looking at it and then seriously considering it, since he’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever seen.”
“He’ll still have that passion.” I imagine he’d be looking at it and then seriously considering it, since he’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever seen.”
If Craig Bellamy returns to the State of Origin arena as the coach of the NSW Blues, he will become only the sixth person in history to coach the state twice.
Previous recipients include Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart (2005 and 2011-12) and Phil Gould (1992-96 and 2002-04), who has lately been linked with a return to the NSW Blues coaching staff.
