Melbourne Storm coach tipped to see out 2026 NRL season despite diagnosis
Melbourne Storm director of football Frank Ponissi insists coach Craig Bellamy remains determined to complete the 2026 NRL season despite revelations his legendary mentor has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder.
Bellamy, who suffered a seventh straight defeat against the Dolphins on Friday night, did not appear before the media at his typical post-game press conference, and Ponissi instead took to the microphones alongside captain Harry Grant.
Ponissi confirmed: “he [Bellamy] At the end of the toughest week of the coach’s life, as he and his family grasped the life-changing diagnosis, this night would never come; win, lose or draw.
“He’s been through a lot with his family, so we gave him the opportunity to not worry about tonight,” Ponissi said.
“But the way he coached tonight, you wouldn’t think anything he’s been through the last few days is pretty remarkable. He’s just about the team and trying to fix where we went wrong.”
There has been an outpouring of emotion for Bellamy since his health concerns came to light on Thursday, with Ponissi saying he was “overwhelmed” by the support the coach, who has managed the Storm for 22 years, has received.
Bellamy signed a contract extension in February extending his contract until the end of 2028 and Ponissi was adamant the coach would complete this year’s campaign. He said the premiership-winning boss had started making plans for next week’s match against the Tigers.
“I have absolutely no doubt that the fire is in his belly,” Ponissi said.
“The news has been tough for him over the last few weeks, but he’s as determined as ever; you only had to be in the dressing room now to see the passion and commitment he has. He’s not happy with where we are at the moment, none of us like it, and he’s working harder than he’s ever done before.”
“We’re all hurt and frustrated, but we’re definitely not going to throw in the towel. He just wants to focus on coaching now and get us back to winning.”
It was the longest losing streak of Bellamy’s coaching career, and after taking a 10-0 lead until the final minute of the first half in a 28-10 defeat to the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium, the Storm took the lead for the fourth time in seven defeats in the interim.
It’s a run of form that is also foreign to Grant, who cut a dejected figure after his team missed a golden opportunity to salvage victory.
But the Queensland hooker revealed he and his team-mates should follow in Bellamy’s footsteps.
“It’s all part of the journey, a little raw and a little real. But at the end of the day, life came and the cards were dealt,” Grant said.
“There are two parts to it – on the pitch and off the pitch – and at the moment we need to sort things out on the pitch to get some relief off the pitch as well. “It’s purely a club matter and I think everyone will understand that there is an element of respect for Craig’s privacy and for Craig to continue business as usual as he has done.
“I think we can all respect that. As a rugby league community [we] wrap our arms around it and actually take the next step. Looking forward to next week and really righting some wrongs.
“As a playing group we really need to embrace that and support it by working hard in training and transferring that into performance.”
Broncos coach Michael Maguire, who previously served as Bellamy’s assistant coach, said: “Craig and I have had some great times together and you clearly care about the people you’ve been a part of throughout your career.
“I know Craig, I know he’ll be right; he’s a fighter, so he’ll get over it and continue coaching.”
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