NRL 2023: Craig Bellamy’s Storm decision gives Melbourne time to chase Billy Slater

Storm coach Craig Bellamy’s decision to stay another year has set the coaching carousel into overdrive — and given Melbourne a sliver of hope.

Billy Slater is content in his current job as Queensland State of Origin coach. Picture: Adam Head

Craig Bellamy’s decision to extend his coaching career into a 22nd consecutive season has bought Melbourne some valuable time.

Not just to find a successor, but to potentially convince one of their favourite sons that his future lies at the helm of the Storm.

If Melbourne were searching for a Bellamy replacement today, Billy Slater wouldn’t be in the mix. His choice, mind you, but out of the calculations anyway. With a State of Origin series fast looming, he is more than content to remain in charge of Queensland, concentrate on his commentary duties and breed the occasional horse on his Melbourne property.

Billy Slater is more than content to remain in charge of Queensland. Picture: Liam Kidston

It’s a good life and Slater has made it clear that coaching an NRL side is not in his sights at the current time given the sacrifices he would be forced to make. Melbourne powerbrokers, however, now have another 12 months to change his mind. It may come to nothing, but at least there is now a sliver of hope.

There seems little doubt Slater is Melbourne’s preferred option. The other favoured alternative – Sydney Roosters assistant Jason Ryles – looks on the verge of taking a job at St George Illawarra, which puts a line through any plans to have him take over from Bellamy.

Melbourne’s preferred option is for Billy Slater to take over from Craig Bellamy. Picture: Getty Images

Assistant coach Marc Brentnall would no doubt do a sterling job but Slater is the man they want, his stellar playing career and short stint in the coaches box with Queensland suggesting he would acquit himself with little trouble to the rigours of the NRL.

The challenge will be convincing Slater to turn his back on his lifestyle to take up the daily grind of being an NRL coach. It doesn’t appeal to him right now, but who knows how he will feel in 12 months, potentially with another Origin series win under this belt.

Billy Slater has made it clear that coaching an NRL side is not in his sights at the current time. Picture: Getty Images

Bellamy has given the Storm the breathing room they need. For more than two decades he has set the standards in Melbourne, becoming the most valuable figure at the club. Players have come and gone but Bellamy has been the one indefatigable constant, as driven as he has ever been by the lure of premierships.

He is a part of the sporting landscape in a city obsessed by the AFL. His profile and reputation have helped rugby league gain a foothold in its southern frontier. Slater would no doubt do the same.

Thanks to Bellamy, the Storm now have time to convince him to come to the party.