NRL news 2026: Billy Slater Melbourne Storm coaching rumours, dressing room vision; Craig Bellamy coaching future, Cooper Cronk comments

Billy Slater’s appearance in the Melbourne Storm sheds at half-time against the Bulldogs has reignited rumours he’ll replace Craig Bellamy as coach.

Although officially contracted at the Storm until the end of 2028, doubt remains whether the veteran coach will continue into 2027. He was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder in April.

Cameras captured Billy Slater in the Melbourne Storm dressing rooms at half-time. Fox Sports

At half-time during the Storm’s 36-22 loss at home to the Bulldogs, which officially ended the club’s chances of making the eight, cameras captured Slater in deep conversation with halves Tyran Wishart and debutant Hayden Watson in the dressing rooms.

Having played every one of his 319 NRL games for the Storm under Bellamy, Slater has long been seen as the obvious heir.

Speaking on Fox League’s post-game coverage, Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters said Slater was the “obvious choice”, and the vision “looks to me like the next Melbourne Storm coach”.

But fellow panellist Cooper Cronk, who spent 14 seasons playing alongside Slater in the Storm spine, said he didn’t think Slater was interested in throwing himself back into the cauldron of full-time NRL involvement.

“I don’t think he wants to do it, I don’t think he will do it. I think the Melbourne Storm would love for him to do it,” Cronk said.

“Coaching is 24-7, 365 days. There is not a day off. He did that as a player for 16, 17 years.

“When you get to retirement, you find a good balance in your life … I think he likes the idea of it, but the execution of it wouldn’t fit into his lifestyle.

“I think Melbourne Storm would love him to do it. Personally, he’s never said this to me, but I just don’t think he would.”

Since retirement, Slater has remained involved in league as an expert with the Nine network and more recently as Queensland Maroons coach. The “devastating” Origin III loss at Suncorp Stadium, and the earlier revelation he was on a year-to-year handshake agreement, has cast some doubt he will continue in that role.

Away from footy, Slater has started his own thoroughbred stud farm, a continuation of a lifelong passion for racing. He famously spent a year working as a track jockey for Gai Waterhouse.

After Bellamy’s health diagnosis was made public, Slater – who is employed as a consultant with the Storm – promised he would take on more responsibility at the club if asked.

“You do things that you care for and Craig Bellamy and the Melbourne Storm are two things that I really care for so if Craig Bellamy ever asks me for a hand, he wouldn’t have to ask twice, put it that way,” he told 9News Melbourne at the time.