Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has re-signed for a further five seasons, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2026 NRL season.
Bellamy has been at the Storm since 2003 and has led the club to three premierships in 2012, 2017 and 2020.
There had been plenty of speculation about his long-term future in the game, with the Cronulla Sharks expressing interest, as well as the Brisbane Broncos.
But on Tuesday morning, Melbourne confirmed the news that Bellamy would remain at the club for another five years – although he may not be head coach for that entire period.
“There have been a lot of moving parts on and off the footy field, but it’s good to have finality on the decision,” Bellamy said.
“I will be the head coach next year and then I will sit down with the club at the end of each year and talk about what role I might play.
“At some time during this period, I will take on a different role in coaching and in the commercial area.
“This is my 19th year and there have been some wonderful times over that period. Having the comfort in the surroundings and knowing how the club works certainly helped in making my decision.
“I really enjoy working with this group of players and staff. It’s a typical Storm group in that they work hard and have great care in what they do and great care for the club.
“We are obviously feeling for our fans in Melbourne who love their footy and love coming to watch us play which they haven’t been able to do for the last two years. Hopefully, we can get back home in the back part of the year.”
Bellamy is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in rugby league history, and continues to get the best out of any player that joins the Storm.
Melbourne chairman Matt Tripp was full of praise for the 62-year-old.
“Craig is one of the most respected and regarded coaches, not just in rugby league but in world sport,” he said.
“We see the influence he has as a coach and as a mentor and leader for our players, coaches and staff which makes him one of the most sought-after people in the game.
“Craig has shown an amazing ability to adapt over the years, having coached some of the best players the game has seen under very different circumstances and very different football eras.
“He has led the football club through some of the most challenging periods in our short history, particularly in the last two years with the challenges that have been thrown at him as head coach through the COVID pandemic.
“It was important that both Craig and the club took the time to reach this decision, particularly considering the length of the extension and other factors that needed to be taken into account.
“It was important Craig was given the time over the last 12 months to make the decision that was right for him, his family and the club.”
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