Storm warning to Broncos over Craig Bellamy bidding war
MELBOURNE Storm’s boss has declared the Broncos were no longer a financial powerhouse compared to his own club and other major sporting organisations across the country.
NRL
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MELBOURNE Storm’s powerful chairman and part-owner Bart Campbell has warned the Brisbane Broncos about waging a chequebook war for his supercoach Craig Bellamy.
Campbell declared the Broncos were no longer a financial powerhouse compared to his own club and other major sporting organisations across the country.
“The Broncos are not the only big club in Australia,” Campbell said.
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“They are not on the top of the pile anymore.
“People talk about the Broncos turning over $41 million last year … well, we’ll turnover $52 million this season.
“To say that the size of the revenue will determine the outcome, it won’t necessarily mean the Broncos.”
The Storm are owned by three of Australia’s most successful businessmen in Campbell, Jayko caravan king Gerry Ryan and Australia’s biggest bookmaker Matt Tripp.
Campbell revealed the Storm would consider having further discussions with Bellamy if the supercoach wanted a four-year deal like the Broncos have offered rather than the three-year offer they have already tabled.
“We’re in live economic conversation,” Campbell said.
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“Craig knows we’re doing our best to deal with his demands. We offered three years, which is the term he asked for. If that changes, we could move with him.
“And rest assured we will be competitive as far as his remuneration goes.”
The Storm supremo is anxious for Bellamy to make his decision as soon as possible, preferably next week, to prevent any potential disruptions to the team.
Melbourne chief executive Dave Donaghy seemed at odds with Campbell yesterday when he said the Storm would not consider a one-year extension for Bellamy.
The NRL has a long history of teams faltering during uncertainty over coaching roles.
“Next week would be as good a week as ever to have the matter resolved,” Campbell said. “Deadlines aren’t our style but we’ll encourage him to make a decision in a time frame that works for everyone.
“Will it have an impact? I don’t see how it can’t. We’re not robots and it’s a big issue.
“Will it impact the team? We’ll know more after the Cowboys game.
“Craig’s a professional but all this will be in the back of his mind. It must have an impact.”
Bellamy’s son Aaron works in the Storm football department and has two young children. Bellamy’s daughter Rachel has moved back to the Gold Coast after living in Melbourne.
Storm officials and Campbell are convinced the Broncos have tabled a financial offer, knowing Bellamy could not possibly make a decision without knowing what the Broncos are offering.
This was denied by their CEO Paul White.
Whatever happens, the Storm are doing everything in their powers to keep Bellamy.
They have already put highly regarded football general manager Frank Ponissi and senior assistant coach Adam O’Brien on long-term deals.
“We want him to stay,” Campbell said. “He’s part of the furniture. He’s synonymous with the game and the state of Victoria.
“We understand he’s not indentured to us or chained to a seat. If he wants to move on, that’s his call. We’ve made an incredibly compelling offer.
“We would back ourselves to be extremely competitive. We love him and want him to stay. Without Craig, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and previously Cooper Cronk, the game would be nothing in Victoria.”
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