NRL 2022: Craig Bellamy to make call on Melbourne Storm future

Melbourne has spent the off-season under siege but the most important call in the club’s history will be announced in the coming weeks.

Craig Bellamy. NRL Imagery

Melbourne has spent the off-season under siege but the most important call in the club’s history is yet to come as coach Craig Bellamy prepares make a decision on whether he will continue as head coach within weeks.

Under the terms of the contract extension he signed with the Storm last year, Bellamy has until the end of March to notify Melbourne chair and owner Matt Tripp whether he intends to remain as head coach beyond this season.

It is a decision that has taken on added important given the tumultuous off-season the Storm have endured, headlined by the impending departures of Felise Kaufusi, and Jesse and Kenny Bromwich.

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Craig Bellamy will make a decision on his future in the coming weeks. NRL Imagery

All three were tempted by the big money on offer from the Dolphins. The threat where Bellamy is concerned is less about other clubs and more about his own motivation and desire to continue coaching at the highest level.

The implications are huge for Melbourne. While the club will miss the experience and leadership of Kaufusi and the Bromwich brothers, their influence pales in comparison to that which Bellamy has and continues to have on the Storm.

Tripp is yet to open talks with Bellamy but acknowledges the time is fast approaching.

“I will be asked the same question every February and every February I will give you the same answer which is that I genuinely hope that he sees enough in this squad and the squad of the future, regardless of the guys departing,” Tripp said.

“I think Craig only gets better as a coach as time evolves. One thing in life that is a constant is change. You can’t avoid change and luckily enough for us we have (recruitment chief) Paul Bunn and (head of football) Frank Ponissi committed long term.

Craig Bellamy joined the Storm in 2003. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty

“We have the nucleus of a very good side, particularly the spine to get us through the next four year. I think they will all be here long term.

“We will build a very good side around them. We have one of the most exciting young kids in the game locked up long term in Jack Howarth.

“Things have normalised a bit now - we are back home. They are back in the own beds. I personally think there is a very good feeling round the club.

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“Financially we have never been in better shape. We hope to top 40,000 members this year. The club is really going places.

“I think there is more upside than down.”

If Bellamy does decide to step back from head coaching, he is expected to remain involved in some capacity to help his successor.

Bellamy is tipped to stick around the Storm in some way even if he decides to stop coaching. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty

Assistant coach Marc Brentnall is held in high regard in Melbourne and appears next in line, having been the architect of the Storm’s attack in recent seasons.

His claims on the throne are strengthened in light of former player and assistant coach Jason Ryles’ decision to take up a role alongside Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters.

Bellamy holds the key. He is about to kick off his 20th year in charge and it shapes as one of the most challenging of his career given the changing of the guard at the Storm and the belief among many pundits that they are on the slide.

With three of his most experienced players leaving at the end of the season - as well as Brandon Smith - the Storm are entering a period of regeneration. The club has purposely invested the bulk of their salary cap in their spine, having agreed long-term deals with Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes.

Cameron Munster has also indicated his desire to extend his stay in Melbourne while officials are growing increasingly confident that hooker Harry Grant will remain at the Storm beyond his expecting contract, which expires at the end of next season.

Originally published as NRL 2022: Craig Bellamy to make call on Melbourne Storm future