In 2024, Bellamy will continue as Storm coach.
Playmaker Cameron Munster deserves part of the credit for keeping Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy on board following his announcement that he will return to the helm of the NRL team in 2024.
Bellamy announced to the team and staff on Monday morning that he had made the decision to remain on, putting an end to months of rumors about his future.
In charge since 2003, Bellamy has a contract with the team that expires in 2026, although he is free to move into the position of coaching director when he thinks the timing is appropriate.
He said only last week that he wasn’t sure if he would continue as coach for a 22nd season.
Bellamy stated he sought guidance from non-football professionals over the move into semi-retirement.
However, his star playmaker’s entreaty to stay on influenced his choice.
“Munster came to me a couple of weeks ago and I don’t usually take his advice on life but he said all of the players, and especially the leaders, were very keen for me to stay and they still thought I had something to give to the group,” Bellamy said in an audio message released by the club on Monday.
“I think that turned me, and in the last few weeks, I’ve made the decision to go again.
“I still enjoy turning up and mixing with the group here and the staff and I think I’ve still got something to give after the Munster talk and working with these young guys and trying to help them achieve their dreams of being an NRL player.”
The 63-year-old has been candid in discussing how much he enjoys the challenge of leading a young team following years of championship domination.
“Early in my career it’s about yourself but as it’s gone on, for me, it’s about our group improving as individuals,” he stated.
“I am confident that if we grow as people, we will grow as a group.
“My goal is to assist these young men in becoming the greatest football players that they can be.
“I’m a bit excited about how much improvement we’ve got in us.”
The fifth-place Storm’s strong start to the season, according to club veteran Cameron Smith, would have affected Bellamy’s choice.
“He’s thought about finishing up a few times now,” the three-time premiership champion said to SEN.
“But I suppose that’s why you stay around when the team is still working for you and you’re still getting results.
The fact that he is making another round doesn’t surprise me, but I will admit that I had assumed he would end this year.
“However, I’m not too surprised by his recommitment. He’s the kind of man that adores coaching, rugby league, and the Melbourne Storm.”
Bellamy’s withdrawal opens the door for St George Illawarra to look into hiring Jason Ryles as their possible 2024 head coach.
The highly-regarded Sydney Roosters assistant, Anthony Griffin, is apparently the subject of casual chats that the Dragons conducted last week as they aggressively seek individuals to replace him.
However, Ryles, who completed his playing career under Bellamy and then worked as an assistant coach for the team from 2016 to 2020, had also been connected to the Storm position.
Billy Slater, a former Storm player and coach for the Queensland State of Origin, was mentioned as a possible replacement should Bellamy choose to retire at the end of 2023.
