Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy signs contract extension

Craig Bellamy will enter his 21st year with Melbourne Storm in 2023 after signing a new one-year contract extension with the NRL giants.

The 63-year-old signed a five-year contract with Storm in 2022 that allows him to decide each year whether he will continue in his role as head coach for the following season or transition into a coaching director role.

Bellamy said: “The group we have here at the moment are a pretty exciting group. They’re an enjoyable group to work with and hang around with.

“Our staff off the field are really good people and I know how hard they work. It’s a pleasure working with them.

“I think I’ve got another 12 months to give so I’m looking forward to that next year.”

Melbourne chief delighted to see Craig Bellamy extend

Bellamy took on the head coaching role with Melbourne in 2003, leading the team to a semi-final in his first year.

Since that time Storm have made the finals 18 times, winning five Grand Finals as well as seven Minor Premierships. He has the best win-loss record of any coach in the NRL.

Melbourne chief executive Justin Rodski said: “There’s no doubt that Craig is still at the top of the tree when it comes to rugby league coaching.

“He is continuing to produce outstanding results week after week; season after season with the support of a very dedicated coaching and high performance team.

“He is hugely respected; and loved by his players who were elated when we told them today that Craig was continuing as our head coach.

“I’m sure our members and fans will feel exactly the same way.”

Bellamy has also been named Dally M Coach of the Year six times. Also, he has been awarded the Rugby League International Federation Coach of the Year twice.

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