NRL 2021: Craig Bellamy hits back at his coaching critics

Storm coach Craig Bellamy admits he was ‘hurt’ by attacks on his coaching integrity in the aftermath of Felise Kaufusi’s controversial tackle against Parramatta.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Storm coach Craig Bellamy has defended his coaching integrity following savage criticisms over his coaching methods this week.

Storm bosses this week made an official complaint about ugly claims levelled against their coach by “particular commentators”.

Storm chief executive Justin Rodski complained to the NRL and Fox Sports, and also sent a letter to its members over what it described as unfair criticism of Bellamy.

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It came after NRL360 co-host Paul Kent accused the Melbourne coach of fostering a culture of illegal tackles.

Bellamy did not wish to discuss his future or the coverage of the past week on Thursday, but admitted he was ‘hurt’ by the claims.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy has hit back at his critics. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“It got personal and it hurt because it’s not true,” Bellamy said.

“I don’t see that I coach people to go out and maim other players.

“That’s certainly not the case.”

Storm has lost two games in a row ahead of Friday night’s clash with the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park.

“We’re all in this together, but it’s not like its panic stations,” Bellamy said.

“We’ve played Souths, Penrith and Parramatta, who a lot of people think will be in the four.

“We’ve played two of those games away, we’ve had one win and got beaten in the last minute in the other two.

“We’re doing some things well, it’s just those critical moments and those little areas where we need to be better with our execution.

Storm chief executive Josh Rodski lodged complaints with the NRL and Fox Sports about the criticism of Craig Bellamy. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Crosling

“And that’s up to me to make sure we practice that at training so we get it right.”

The Storm master coach said he was wary of a Broncos side that turned it on to thrash the Bulldogs last weekend.

“They had a good win and they have some important players coming back, which will add a lot to their team as well,” he said.

“They were very impressive last week and especially their last 20 minutes, so I imagine they’ll start where they finished off last week.

“We know we’re never going to get an easy game against the Broncos.”