NRL 2024: Melbourne Storm shut down talk Craig Bellamy is being courted by South Sydney

Melbourne chair Matt Tripp has dismissed suggestions South Sydney could make a play for Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

Melbourne chair Matt Tripp has given short shrift to suggestions South Sydney could make a play for Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

“Good luck,” Tripp said.

“I can’t begrudge them because I would want the best coach if I was in their position. I feel for them but it doesn’t mean we’re going to give him up.”

The Rabbitohs are expected to seek a senior coach should they decide to move on from Jason Demetriou, who has come under increasing pressure after the club’s terrible start to the year.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett, who will hand over the reins to Kristian Woolfe at the end of the season, is expected to be atop their wish-list but there were reports on Monday that they could also reach out to three-time premiership winner Bellamy.

They stand next to no chance. While Bellamy has a rolling contract with the Storm and is yet to inform the club whether he will remain as head coach next season, there is a growing sense that he will remain at the helm for at least another year.

Craig Bellamy. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Even if he decides to step back from head coaching, he will move into a consultancy role under the terms of his deal. Tripp harbours few concerns.

“They can do what they like,” Tripp said.

“We can’t stop them. To my mind he has a contract and knowing Craig the way I know Craig, he will honour that contract.

“I hope he keeps coaching (in Melbourne).”

Bennett and Bellamy aside, experienced options are thin on the ground for the Rabbitohs. As Souths weigh up their options, co-owner Russell Crowe shapes as a pivotal figure in Demetriou’s future given he is likely to have the decisive say over whether the head coach is given more time to turn things around.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Melbourne Storm shut down talk Craig Bellamy is being courted by South Sydney