What’s the Buzz: NRL’s push for Craig Bellamy to lead 18th team in expanded competition
The NRL wants instant success for its newest franchise, and there’s no more successful coach in the game than Craig Bellamy.
The NRL is closely monitoring the future of Melbourne Storm’s super coach Craig Bellamy.
It is tipped he will stand down at the end of the season after 21 years of unparalleled success as a head coach to take on a less stressful role at the club.
However, the NRL is keen to sound out the 63-year-old around a position with the premiership’s soon-to-be-decided 18th franchise.
Commission boss Peter V’landys was instrumental in the Dolphins securing Wayne Bennett as part of the entry into the competition. It has been such a crucial factor in the team’s early success.
There is a feeling at NRL headquarters that the new franchises need experienced head coaches and proven winners.
V’landys has often spoken of his admiration for both Bennett and Bellamy and their massive contributions to the game over three decades.
Not just for their premiership victories but for their track record of developing young footballers into men and creating an environment for growth on and off the field.
V’landys is reluctant to comment on Bellamy having a role with the 18th team. He will wait until he has made his decision at Storm.
Bellamy most recently spoke about his future on NRL 360.
“It’s time for the club probably to have a new coach,” he said. “I’m pretty sure this is going to be my last year.
“I want to give them plenty of time to find a new coach … I can’t see anything changing for me not to retire at the end of the year.
“I’ll still be around the club a little bit in a part-time role.”
The question is whether the NRL can convince him to take on one more assignment before retirement.
They would not make a move without the prior approval of Storm chairman Matt Tripp.
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