Bellamy uncertain over NRL coaching future amid ‘private’ health issues
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has thanked the league community for supporting him through his “private” health battle but refrained from speculating on whether he will continue in the role next year.
Bellamy appeared before the media at AAMI Park on Saturday for the first time since being diagnosed with a type of neurodegenerative disorder last month. While he has been open about the Storm’s struggles – they are on a seven-game losing streak ahead of Sunday’s clash with Wests Tigers – he has been more cautious about details of his medical condition.
But the legendary mentor took the opportunity to thank everyone who reached out with their support.
“That’s the only thing I can’t believe is how many messages I have,” Bellamy said.
“I would probably say I’m really apologetic, I haven’t gone back to anything, I don’t think, I’ve been quite busy with football.
“But I don’t know how many people have messaged me, but I really appreciate it and I hope to get back to you soon… I know a lot of people, whatever I feel like, but at the end of the day, the support in this area has been incredible.”
Asked if he was in a position to give an update on his health, Bellamy said: “No, we’re here for football… This is personal to me after all. You’re here to talk about football, okay?”
Bellamy signed a contract in February extending his contract until the end of 2028. When asked if he would coach next year, he replied: “I don’t know, I’m thinking about this week.”
It has been an emotional time for the Storm due to the departure of many strong names as well as health concerns for some favorites. Bellamy’s situation aside, the club has had to deal with the departures of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, the unavailability of the injured Xavier Coates, Eli Katoa’s brain haemorrhage and a stroke that left Tui Kamikamica tumbling forward.
Bellamy said those setbacks put the Storm’s losing streak into perspective.
“At the end of the day, we always had a mentality about football. [that it] “First family, then football, then your other interests fall well behind that,” he said.
“We always put family first and football second.”
Storm star Cameron Munster recently revealed he was considering retirement after a bad spell in personal form. Bellamy was unsure whether Munster should take the Maroons’ No.6 jersey.
“At the end of the day, when we experience as much loss as we’ve ever experienced, I think it’s important for all of us to question ourselves; are we doing our job to the best of our ability?” said Bellamy.
“One of the things I love about Munster is his honesty and as I said I’m sure he [questioning] it’s his role and if he’s doing it to the best of his ability.
“I think we all do that.”
