Craig Bellamy is set to continue as the head coach of Melbourne Storm for at least another season, providing a significant boost to the NRL team. The 66-year-old has been at the forefront of the club for over 20 years and shows no signs of stepping back, despite speculation regarding his future arising annually.
Currently, Bellamy has one year left on his contract and is expected to announce his decision to remain as coach into the 2026 season shortly, with reports suggesting that this could happen as early as tomorrow morning. Nine’s Trent Kniese mentioned that the ongoing discussions surrounding Bellamy’s future have captured the attention of the sporting world.
In the past, Bellamy typically made choices about his coaching future in May, and it appears he may follow that pattern again this year. If all goes well, he is anticipated to confirm his plans soon. His already impressive tenure could be extended even further.
According to Storm CEO Justin Rodski, Bellamy’s renewed enthusiasm for the club and its ongoing success on the field suggest he may continue beyond his current contract. While there has been speculation about him potentially coaching one of the new teams in the NRL, it seems unlikely at this point.
Bellamy is on track to coach his 600th game for the Storm later this season, an achievement that will place him third on the all-time coaching list. Only Wayne Bennett, with 950 games, and Tim Sheens, with 693, have coached more games than Bellamy, marking him as one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport.
This continuing leadership will no doubt play a crucial role as Melbourne Storm looks to maintain its status as a dominant force in rugby league.