When Wests Tigers host their 80s-themed game day this weekend Craig Bellamy could be forgiven for thinking he has gone back to his playing days.
Bellamy made several trips to Leichhardt Oval throughout the 80s as a player with Canberra and will do so again as Storm coach this Sunday.
Nearly 32 years may have passed since the Storm coach first visited the suburban ground, though he may not realise it at the weekend.
“It is old-school obviously, I suppose it is a traditional home ground in Sydney,” Bellamy said.
“It is a great ground, I remember playing there when I played which is a fair while ago and not much has changed to be quite honest.
“It is a ground that still has that traditional feel about it.”
Bellamy may not recall his recents trips there as coach with a great deal of fondness.
Storm will look to overturn a poor record at Leichhardt Oval, where they have won just twice from nine visits.
They will face a Wests Tigers outfit looking to snap a four game losing streak after bursting out of the blocks early in the season.
“They got off to a great start but they have lost a couple of close games since,” Bellamy said.
“Certainly their attack, especially with their outside backs is very sharp. It is probably as sharp as I’ve seen from any side this year.
“Obviously with Tedesco at the back and two young halves they are great players with the ball in their hands without a doubt. They provide a lot of challenges for you.
“Their backs are probably playing as well as any backs in the competition.”
