Storm players waiting on Bellamy's big call
Melbourne players are in the dark about Craig Bellamy's future despite their coach saying he intends to make an decision this week on whether to continue for a 24th year at the helm of the NRL club.
The 65-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, this year adding to his work-load by joining the NSW State of Origin coaching team as a consultant.
But having signed a five-year contract back in 2022 that allows him to decide each year whether he will continue in the head coach position or transition into a coaching director role, the question comes around annually.
One of the premiership favourites, Melbourne are currently fourth on the ladder after some inconsistent form that has seen them go win-loss since round six.
They host sixth-placed North Queensland on Friday night and are set to be back to full-strength after skipper Harry Grant and winger Xavier Coates sat out their Gold Coast win following State of Origin duty.
Dally M Medal-winning halfback Jarome Hughes said he hadn't heard any whispers around what call his coach might make.
Star playmaker Cameron Munster has been enlisted in the past to persuade "Bellyache" to sign on but also hadn't made a visit to his office.
The coach has been rumoured to be considering a shift to the Titans in 2027, relocating to his Gold Coast property to be near extended family.
"Usually around this time it's all in the papers of what he's going to do but there hasn't been much talk," vice-captain Hughes said.
"He probably wouldn't want that to distract anyone either, likes to keep that close to his chest, what he's going to do.
"I guess it's that time of year where it's probably going to come up now and he's probably going to have to make a decision soon and I'm sure Munny (Munster) will be back in his office trying to get him to stay another year."
Hughes felt that Bellamy was still the best coach in the game and hoped he could be convinced to continue in the role, that he first took on in 2003 and has since led the Storm to 21 finals series.
"He's such a great coach and he's been such a great mentor for all of us players for so long - so the longer he stays the better.
"It's whatever's best for him and his family and whatever he wants to do but I can't see him hanging it up too soon.
"He'll get bored at home in his mansion at Albert Park so I'm sure he'll go around again."
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