Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has claimed he wants his successor to come from within the club’s walls having also praised Billy Slater after his latest decision. Slater surprised Bellamy and Queensland fans having announced he will step down from his State of Origin coaching job.
Slater’s decision prompted NRL fans to suggest he could be stepping down in preparation to take over the Storm job when Bellamy finishes at the club. Bellamy was diagnosed with neurodegenerative disorder earlier this year.
Craig Bellamy (pictured left) has claimed he would like to see his successor come from the Melbourne Storm while also singing Billy Slater’s (pictured right) praises. (Images: Getty Images)
While there was speculation around whether he would coach into next season, Bellamy ended any doubt having committed to the Storm. Although he revealed he would likely finish his glittering coaching career at the end of next year.
While fans wondered if Slater was keen on the NRL role, the Melbourne Storm legend denied he was eyeing the job. And who would take his role was put to Bellamy ahead of their clash against the Penrith Panthers this Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference, Bellamy admitted he was ‘surprised’ at Slater’s decision to step down from the Queensland job. And while he was full of praise for Slater as a potential head coach, he also endorsed the assistants who have been working closely with him as options for the club.
“I might get asked my opinion…I think he would do a great job,” Bellamy said on whether he would endorse Slater as his successor. “We have three assistant coaches here that I think they would do a good job too. At the end of the day, that will be up to the hierarchy to decide that. I imagine they will ask my opinion, I would like to see the next head coach come from our club.
“Because I think they can handle it, I think there are three or four candidates that could probably handle it. I would like to see the club go that way, but the final decision won’t be mine.”
Marc Bretnall, Ryan Hinchcliffe and Aaron Bellamy are the Storm’s current assistant coaches. Bretnall has been an integral part of Storm’s coaching line-up since 2013. Hinchcliffe played for the Storm and has worked his way up the ranks to become an assistant. Aaron Bellamy has also worked his way up the ranks since starting in 2012.
Craig Bellamy (pictured) is keen for the next Melbourne Storm coach to come from within the club. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Billy Slater not keen on Melbourne Storm role
Speaking after his decision to step down as Queensland coach, Slater admitted he wasn’t keen to jump straight into a head coaching role in the NRL. “Umm…that’s a really good question. Not right now, no. There’s no ulterior motive to this decision (quitting as Queensland coach). I’m really comfortable with where I sit,” he said on Channel Nine.
“I’ve always said – and I’ve been pretty consistent with it – that I don’t see myself as an NRL coach. I love the position I hold here at Channel 9 and (to be able to) talk about the game and get the chance to push our opinions to the people at home and educate (them). You never say never and the Melbourne Storm have been a big part of my life for half of my life, but right now I don’t see myself coaching in the NRL.”