Bellamy's reign continues as coach signs new Storm deal
Melbourne has beaten Brisbane for the signature of Craig Bellamy, ending months of speculation about the supercoach’s future.
Bellamy will remain with the Storm for a further three years on a deal worth about $4.5 million. The decision ensures he will remain at the helm to oversee the transition to the next generation of stars as Billy Slater and Cameron Smith approach the end of their careers.
The Broncos had identified Bellamy as the man to replace Wayne Bennett, who was promised the chance to see out the end of his contract until the end of 2019. It would have been a case of the apprentice taking over from the master given Bellamy had learned his trade, in part, under the seven-time premiership winning clipboard holder.
However, Bellamy wasn’t keen on the prospect of sitting out next season, which he would have had to do in order to shift to Red Hill.
It is a timely boost for the Storm ahead of their clash against Newcastle. An official announcement is expected on Sunday.
The 58-year-old had been in protracted negotiations with Storm CEO David Donaghy, who was always hopeful of completing a deal, even after Brisbane’s interest became public.
The Broncos, having indicated Bennett is not their long-term preference, now have to look elsewhere for his successor. As revealed by Fairfax Media, South Sydney coach Anthony Siebold was always part of a contingency plan and he remains a potential target. The Rabbitohs are aware of Brisbane’s interest and have fast-tracked negotiations to keep him in Redfern.
Siebold’s stocks are on the rise and he is an ideal fit for Brisbane. He is a Queenslander, has been part of the Maroons brains trust in recent years and represents the new generation of coaches rising through the ranks. He is in just his rookie season but his Rabbitohs team sits atop the premiership ladder, an incredible feat given Dane Gagai is the club’s only off-season recruit.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters has long been considered Bennett’s successor, but is no certainty for the gig. He was an assistant to Bennett but quit earlier this season, citing a desire to focus solely on State of Origin. However, it’s understood he walked away over frustrations he was being sidelined by Bennett - unable to make a meaningful contribution to the team.
If Walters is snubbed it would be all the more shattering given he wants to coach at NRL level and dipped out of the running for the Titans gig in the belief he would eventually take over the Broncos.
Bellamy’s focus now will be to work on succession planning for his roster. Slater is tipped to retire at the end of the year while it’s unclear how long Smith will play on for.
Many of the NRL’s current coaches have learned their craft under Bellamy - including Brad Arthur, Michael Maguire and Stephen Kearney. His current assistant, Adam O’Brien, is considered another first grade coach in waiting.