Bellamy locks into Storm
Monday 11 February 2013 12:00 PM
Melbourne Storm is delighted to announce head coach Craig Bellamy has re-signed until the end of the 2016 season.
The announcement is a significant boost to the club on the day the team departs for the World Club Challenge in England and prior to the commencement of the 2013 Telstra NRL Season.
This announcement brings to a close a process that has seen the highly respected coach, contemplate considerable options, due to his standing and high demand. Bellamy’s decision to stay ensures his strong relationship with Melbourne and Melbourne Storm will continue well beyond this season.
Craig commits to Storm. Have you committed to Melbourne in 2013? Become a member here.
“During the off-season, I’ve had plenty of time to consider a number of attractive options,” said Craig Bellamy.
“I’ve said on a few occasions that this might easily be my last coaching contract. That’s why I wanted to make sure that whatever decision I made was the right one.
“I have been at the Storm now for over a decade and now that I’m on board until 2016 I look forward to the challenges ahead.
“I’m excited with the current playing roster and our future prospects. I’m really looking forward to flying to the United Kingdom today for the World Club Challenge. It will be good to fully concentrate on coaching again without any distractions.”
Bellamy, about to start his eleventh season at Storm, recently steered the club to the 2012 Premiership, the club’s fifth grand final appearance in the last seven years.
Widely regarded as one of the best coaches in Australian sport and motivator of men, the Storm mentor has overseen the re-build of his squad a number of times. During his tenure Bellamy has recruited several fringe players from other clubs and turning them into regular first grade players.
Under his tutelage he has also produced players who have made their representative debuts including Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Ryan Hoffman, Jesse Bromwich, Kevin Proctor, Matt Duffie and Gareth Widdop.
Craig commits to Storm. Have you committed to Melbourne in 2013? Become a member here.
Storm CEO Ron Gauci said Bellamy was without doubt the right person to oversee the continued on-field success of the club.
“Craig has proven himself to be one of the elite coaches in Australian sport and we believe this new contract reflects his true value and his status in the sporting landscape,“ Gauci said.
“We have always been respectful of Craig’s wishes to take the time to review his options.
“This re-signing is also an endorsement of Craig’s confidence in the club’s strategy, our direction and the team’s prospects for the future.
“Craig’s signature is not only good for Melbourne Storm, but also for rugby league in Victoria, he is a tremendous ambassador for our club and the code.”
Join the LIVE chat from Bellamy's Press Conference below:
Craig has re-signed for 2013 and beyond, now it's your turn. Become a No Ordinary Member here