Cue the record scratch sound effect. Did he really just say that?
The Melbourne Storm‘s transition to life after Craig Bellamy might’ve just got a whole lot more real, after comments made heading into Round 1 of the 2023 season.
It’s the reality that must come at some point, but the reality that Storm fans have been absolutely dreading. The supercoach is entering his 21st season in charge of Melbourne’s playing group; he boasts an absurd win percentage of 69.5%, the best we’ve ever seen from a coach that’s led a team for at least 31 first grade games.
Is Craig Bellamy retiring? Because we’ve heard this before
Speculation around the future of the legendary mastermind has, realistically, been swirling for some time. It’s happened multiple times in recent seasons when Craig Bellamy’s contract was up. At one point he was hotly rumoured to be considering an offer to head north and take over the Brisbane Broncos.
It’s understandable discord; he’s been at the helm since 2003 and even the best coaches reach their ‘use by’ date. But to be fair, that really hasn’t been the case in Melbourne; the NRL club has been a model of professionalism and consistency throughout his reign.
Bellamy addressed his future on Fox League’s NRL360 and didn’t exactly dance around it.
“I just get this feeling that my time’s just about up”
63-year-old Craig Bellamy holds the key to his own future; the club have left any decision up to him, trusting he’ll do what’s best, not leave administrators in the dark and help with the transition. The ball’s in his court, contractually.
And he spoke directly to that, when interviewed on 360 in the lead up to Round 1.
“I’m pretty sure this is going to be my last year as the head coach,” Bellamy told the panel.
“I can’t see anything changing this year.
“I’m not quite sure when the club want that definite answer, but I want to give them plenty of time to find a new coach.
Craig Bellamy did make assurances he’s not going to just ride off into the sunset, though.
“I’ll still be around the club a little bit in a part-time role,” he continued.
“I’ve been here a long time and I think it’s just time for the club to have a new coach as well.
“I just get this feeling that my time’s just about up, but you can be sure I’ll put everything into this year and I won’t be going on holidays any time soon.”
Craig Bellamy’s coaching record
As mentioned above, Bellamy boasts a very, very nice 69.5% winning record. Outside of interim coaches and really short-term stints, it’s the best in the business, period.
Entering season 2023, the Storm coach has overseen 525 games; 365 wins and 158 losses, per Rugby League Project.
For context, the only other long-term coaches anywhere nearby are Norm Proven at 68.5% (124 wins, 49 losses), Bob Fulton at 64.4% (261 wins, 133 losses) and current Roosters boss Trent Robinson at 64.3% (258 wins, 156 losses).
From 888 first grade games in charge, inaugural Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has 555 wins and 319 losses, good for 62.5%. Bennett has coached seven premierships from ten Grand Final appearances.
The other coach in the GOAT conversation is Jack Gibson, who’s win percentage is 62.2% from a 394-game sample size.
Penrith’s Ivan Cleary is at 54.7%.
Craig Bellamy has led his side to nine Grand Finals, winning five of them. Two were, of course, stripped – in 2007 and 2009 – after confirmed salary cap breaches. It means he boasts three NRL premierships; nothing to sneeze at, obviously.
The League world now awaits an official update
Rugby League fans will now await a development, for the Storm coach to potentially make it official. There’s a bit to play out down in Melbourne, of course. You’d think Craig Bellamy will be involved in the search for a long-term replacement; he said he’ll do what he needs to do to make it a smooth transition.
But the primary focus for Melbourne right now is overcoming some off-season adversity – Dolphin departures and Ryan Papenhuyzen’s continued injury recovery – and getting the club off to a strong early start.
Since Craig Bellamy took over in 2003, the Melbourne Storm have never lost a Round 1 game.
