Bellamy uncertain over NRL coaching future amid ‘private’ health issues

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has thanked the league community for supporting him during his “private” health battle, but declined to speculate whether he would continue in the role next year.

Bellamy fronted the media for the first time on Saturday at AAMI Park since being diagnosed with a form of neurodegenerative disorder last month. While he was open about the Storm’s struggles – they are on a seven-game losing streak ahead of Sunday’s clash with Wests Tigers – he was more guarded about the details of his health condition.

However, the legendary mentor took the opportunity to thank everyone who had reached out with their support.

“That’s the one thing that I can’t believe, how many messages I’ve got,” Bellamy said.

“I’d probably say that I really apologise, I haven’t got back to any, I don’t think, I’ve been pretty busy with the footy.

“But everyone that has sent me a message, I don’t know how many there’s, but I really appreciate it and hopefully I’ll get back to you soon … I know a lot of people, I feel whatever I suppose, but at the end of the day, the support’s been unbelievable in that area.”

Asked if he was in a position to provide an update about his health, Bellamy said: “No, we’re here about footy … At the end of the day, this is private to me. Footy’s what you’re here to talk about, OK?”

In February, Bellamy signed a contract extension through to the end of 2028. Pressed on whether he would coach on next year, he replied: “I don’t know, I’m thinking about this week.”

It has been an emotional period for the Storm due to the departure of several stalwarts, as well as health concerns for several favourite figures. Bellamy’s situation aside, the club has had to deal with the exit of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, the unavailability of the injured Xavier Coates, Eli Katoa’s brain bleed and a stroke that floored forward Tui Kamikamica.

Bellamy said those setbacks had put the Storm’s losing run into perspective.

“At the end of the day, we’ve always had the mentality about footy [that it] is family first, footy second, and then your other interests a fair way behind that,” he said.

“We’ve always put family first and footy second.”

Storm star Cameron Munster recently revealed that he had contemplated retirement after a poor patch of personal form. Bellamy wouldn’t buy into whether Munster should retain the Maroons’ No.6 jersey.

“At the end of the day, when we’ve had as many losses as we’ve had, I think it’s important that we all question ourselves – are we doing our job the best we can?” Bellamy said.

“One thing I like about Munster is his honesty and, like I say, I’m sure he’s [questioning] his role and if he’s been doing it the best you can.

“I think all of us have been doing that.”