Master coach Craig Bellamy has given the Melbourne Storm a massive boost ahead of the NRL season after deciding to commit his future to the club for another two seasons. Bellamy had been linked with a move to the Gold Coast Titans to be closer to his family, but the 66-year-old has put that theory to bed after extending his one-year deal with the Storm until the end of 2028.
Melbourne Storm chairman Matt Tripp confirmed Bellamy’s extension on Friday evening and hailed him as “one of the greatest coaches in rugby league history”. But the new deal has taken the NRL world by surprise, with many expecting this would be Bellamy’s final season in Melbourne.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has put to bed the idea of moving to the Gold Coast to be closer to his family after signing a two-year extension with the Storm. Pic: Getty
The Titans openly courted Bellamy last year and suggested there would be a coaching or director of football role at the club in 2027 if he wanted it. The fact Bellamy’s daughter and grandkids all live in Queensland, made it an even more attractive proposition for the 66-year-old.
Bellamy only signed his previous deal eight months ago and has typically signed one-year extensions with the Storm in recent years after suggesting on numerous occasions that he was weighing up his future. But the new two-year deal is set to take him into a 26th consecutive season with the Storm – the longest run of any NRL coach at a single club.
“Coaching Melbourne Storm has always been a huge honour,” Bellamy said in a statement on Friday. “I love this club and everything it represents, the people, our history and our fans.
“I’ve always said I’ll only keep coaching if the club believes I can still contribute. Having that certainty for the next three years is reassuring and I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can continue to grow as a squad.”
Craig Bellamy (centre) has agreed to stay on as Melbourne Storm coach until the end of 2028 after signing a new contract extension. Pic: Getty
(Robert Cianflone via Getty Images)Storm extend coach Craig Bellamy for another two seasons
Bellamy has so far coached a whopping 604 games with Melbourne in an extraordinary career that includes 22 finals series, 11 grand final appearances, five grand final wins (two were scrapped) and six minor premierships. He’s also won Coach of the Year honours on a record seven occasions.
“Craig continues to coach at the highest level, leading an exceptional group of coaches and performance staff who give him every opportunity to focus on developing our players and driving success,” Storm chairman Tripp said. “Craig’s passion and determination are as strong as ever. He still has the energy and drive to take our team forward and help Melbourne Storm chase another premiership.”
Bellamy is one of only four men in NRL history to coach more than 600 games, alongside Wayne Bennett, Tim Sheens and Brian Smith. He also boasts the the best win-loss record of any current NRL coach and has guided the Storm to consecutive grand final appearances in the past two seasons.
with AAP