NSW Blues StNSW Blues State of Origin coach Craig Bellamy. AAP Image/Dean Lewins
Who, after 70 minutes of game 3, was ready to sign Craig Bellamy up for another crack at Origin? Not me. Following Origin 2, Bellamy offered to resign as head coach of the NSW State of Origin team, only to have his offer declined by the powers that be.
A very kind and malign gesture from both parties attempting to salvage a series whitewash.
Origin 3 for Bellamy was nothing more than a formality; he surely did not expect to receive another opportunity, so why did they keep him there?
To be completely honest, what he’s achieved as a coach is now up for debate.
Bellamy was considered the next Wayne Bennett after graduating from his tutelage at the Broncos to the top job with the Storm. His hard exterior is somewhat a reflection of Bennett, however, as coaches, the two differ greatly.
His lack of success at Origin is probably a more accurate measure of his ability as a coach, rather than what he’s achieved with a golden check book down in Melbourne.
To me, Craig Bellamy is an animator, a coach who fires his team up for battle with threats and rhetoric, a coaching style which holds little substance with the term “coaching”.
You may be thinking, “well, its worked for him so far.” Not necessarily.
I’m of the opinion that the Storm of recent years haven’t needed anything more than to be simply told “go out and win”.
Their ability as footballers far exceeds any other side in the competition, and probably would have won a few more premierships had they not been found out.
It’s clear Bellamy has brought his animation coaching style to Origin. Following game 2 Michael Ennis was quoted as saying “I’ve enjoyed my time under Craig Bellamy, he’s introduced me to Origin, and showed what it’s all about.”
I’m not entirely sure this is a good thing, the only experience and advice which Bellamy could pass on would be that of losing, besides, he never played Origin, so what exactly is it “all about”, Craig.
What falsehoods are you telling these players that’s causing such destruction?
If Michael Ennis’ performance was anything to go by, a good facial massage and raised forearm would be a start, or perhaps carrying on like a UFC fighter ala Luke O’Donnell in game 2?
Who wouldn’t love the opportunity to fire up mongrel players who have aggression to burn? Unfortunately, Origin is about much more.
Coaching and selection are paramount. Suggestions have been raised over a possible Director of Coaching role for Phil Gould. Personally, I reckon it would be another ego trip for Phil, the game has evolved since he was coaching, no matter how close he may have come to training sessions, and no matter how many games he’s commentated, I believe the job would be best suited to someone who’s remained in the game.
Cartwright, Elliot and Furner come to mind; so far this season they have shown ability as coaches, rather than the ability to carry on like an agitated headmaster with a propensity to use the Cain.
Furner seems to be producing some promise with a club that lives off the smell of an oily rag.
Elliot has risen from the dead and looks like producing the goods later in the season with the Panthers, and whilst Cartwright has had continued success with the Titans, his imposing figure commands respect from all, not just the players. I don’t think Ennis would have lost the plot knowing Cartwright was waiting for him in the sheds.
I refuse to accept the adage that NSW simply don’t have the cattle.
Yes, Queensland have a very good side, however, have played against some of the most poorly selected NSW teams in history, coach included. To claim they are the greatest Origin team is ridiculous; this could only be substantiated if they were dominating a NSW team of similar standard.
The QRL seem to have the magic potion at the moment, an organisation that seem to be in it for Origin, rather than to fuel their own ego’s. This was evident when they went back on their decision and selected Israel Folau. Yes, it received some bad press, however, paid dividends.
One can only imagine how much hair Geoff Carr would have had left had Israel slotted that last conversion from the sideline.
One swallow does not make a drunk, NSWRL should not consider the 70 minutes of reasonable football the future for NSWRL, otherwise the hangover will last a lot longer than five years.
CaineTrain
Guest
I agree somewhat, Bellamy's coaching career starts next year with a Melbourne Storm roster that fits under the salary cap. For me, Bellamy is still one of the better coaches in the league, even though his previous results with Storm have now been tainted and his origin coaching record is forgettable. At Melbourne I agree he had an unfair advantage but a team full of 'stars' doesnt guarantee victories or the silverware at the end of the season, and those 'stars' were unknown kids when they joined the Storm. As for origin, they need a new coach preferablly a coach with no club ties, but Bellamy isnt entirely to blame for NSW poor performance their problems run alot deeper. Mal Meninga as an origin coach now holds the best winning record, so you could make a case that he is the greatest origin coach of all time, but I wonder if he was NSW coach would he have the same success. Before Meninga's success Gus Gould had the best record and was considered the best to ever coach origin, he has no better time to prove that then to coach a NSW side to a series victory over arguablly QLD's greatest ever team and stop their dominace. Craig Bellamy also has no better time then the start of next year to prove his worth as a coach.
Paddy Kilmurray
Roar Pro
TAB have posted odds for Wayne Bennett to take over the Blues job. They are long, however, this indicates state of birth is not an issue for coaches.
mjpt
Guest
Interesting point , big talk in soccer at the moment as to weather its the system or the player that determines success. I think the conclusion was that its a little of both. Coaches can pick players that suit his system or pick a bunch of superstars and hope that they find a way to win. The results have been mixed in football, and clubs success certainly does not translate to rep success. Salary cap takes care of the superstar theory anyway. The NSW collapse this year really brought this to the fore. QLD have the upper hand by having a coach first and foremost, who is outside of the day to day club operation. Every waking hour Mal has is to the betterment and performance of the QLD team for those 3 matches. NSW need to get a coach that is not affiliated with anyone. Bellamy wants the gig still? quit as Storm coach. Then it really puts his cards on the table. Either/or but not both. QLD worked that out a long time ago and tested the passion of their players and coaches at the same time. NSW only rolled the dice with new players on a dead rubber...now everyone is feeling good about themselves again. What a sham. Get those players and selectors under the microscope when it truly is on the line. Its the only way your going to find out of they're up to the job.
Col the Pom
Guest
Is it coincidental that the team that beat NSW for five years had lots of Bellamy coached players in it. Take the wins off Queensland, They have Salary cheats in their team --- ,I Think that this has been said before, because that's the only way NSW will not have suffered FIVE losses in a row. I have also read "Bring back Gus Gould". how many series do you guys want to lose?.
Tom
Guest
I wonder if it was Bellamy who came up with the genius tactic of bombing to Inglis and Folau...
berra boy
Guest
Craig Bellamy simply continued his record last night of having never won anything with a legal team. His record when cheating is exceptional though.
Brad
Guest
In my opinion, Bellamy and his coaching staff finally realised that Rugby League is an ab lib game. Players need to go out and do what they think is right not being told what to do on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd tackle etc. Most people were knocking Gidley when he played origin one, but he wasn't allowed to play the game he normally plays. Last night's game 3 episode saw Gidley play his own rnatural game and he had a bloody good game at that. Perhaps Bellamy finally decided to let players play the game instead of some sort of structured plan drawn up by some architect. NSW took alot of postives out of that game and in my opinion should have won it. We all have brain exposions on the football field but I think most of you agree that the Ennis episode cost NSW the game. He his probably still kicking himself right now. For Paddy Kilmurray to say 70 minutes of reasonable football by NSW is not the future is just a bite. Try telling that to Paul Gallen, Leeroy Lahrs, Kirt Kidley, Jarrod Hayne just to name a few of the NSW players. There are good positives that came out of game 3 for NSW. Stick with Lahrs, Gallen, Lewis, Watmough, probaly Mitchell Pearce, definately include Lawrence, keep Jennings and Beau Scott, retain Morris (I know he had a bad series but he will grow in confience) definately Kurt Kidley and Jarrod Hayne. As hooker I would have Farah. There is 12. Not a bad start in my opinion. But let them play ab lib football. For the coaching staff and selectors get rid of them all. The most important aspect of rugby league is first grade. Make first grade the priority and not the profits for the media that State of origin gives them on the sacrificies of clubs that are the backbone of rugby league. State of origin should be a once off stand alone weekend game. Lets give more support to first grade.
Tom
Guest
Agreed. I think it is pretty obvious the selection of guys like Brett White, Steve Turner and Anthony Quinn have Bellamy's fingerprints all over them. As much as I would like to be critical of him, it would be hard for him to drop those players or tell them that they aren't origin players and then have them turn up to Storm training the next week. Any club coach would face a similar dilemma.
NickF
Guest
None of these comments supporting Bellamy really matter. He has coached 9 games with 2 wins. That is not good, and he must be replaced. I am still a strong believer of having a coach that has no ties to any current NRL team.
Paddy Kilmurray
Roar Pro
Exactly my point Tom. The next couple of years will be decisive for Bellamy. It will be interesting to watch his progress.
Tom
Guest
Yeah, but who do you think had a great say in the selections? Bellamy. He was reportedly incensed that Brett White was dropped. The guy has done nothing in any of his origin encounters; all the props selected last night were superior. That tells you what you need to know about Bellamy. And as for the fringe players into champs bit, they are made to look good by the talent around them at Melbourne. Look at people like Steve Turner - they get shown up at other clubs/origin because they aren't good players, just given a gifted run outside guys like Cronk and Inglis.
Paddy Kilmurray
Roar Pro
Fellas, Elliot as a coach not a player. Fairly certain there are no rules which stipulate against him coaching NSW, maybe just because you have never seen it. Remember, Wayne Bennett coached New Zealand after all.
sheek
Guest
Pat, As the Monty Python crew might say - silly person..... Or at least a silly comment.
Stormybill
Guest
This article is an insult to RL fans in NSW and Melbourne.Bellamy has alway's had the support of anyone who has played for him,and I think that is all that really matters in the end.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Paddy is this a joke? You are very welcome and entitled to your opinion but you have got it wrong big time, especially your opinion of coaches. For you to suggest that Elliot and Furner is a better coach than Bellamy is so far off field it is laughable. Elliot has his chance this year and should finsih 2nd but he has an outstanding list and to date they have under performed. Furner simply hasnt got it. You only have to watch his structures and how his team defend in the 2nd half and how he has failed to find a number 7 to compliment Campo. He is lucky is brother is his boss. As for Cartwright, he has failed to find any genuine go forward and grunt in the Titans pack and has only one point of attack which is not suited to semis. Jury is out on him. Paddy if you speak to anyone who has either worked with or been coached by Bellamy they will all tell you that he is an "amazing coach". He has won 2 games in the last 2 years at Origin level and I am not sure that would have happened with your 3 named coaches and or Ricky Stuart. I dont care who the coach is and who the selectors are very few teams will beat a team with a spine like Q'Land. Slater, Thurston, Lockyer and Smith is the best combination I have ever seen and that is what decides the results, not the coach or selectors.
pat
Guest
Elliot is a Queenslander champ...
sheek
Guest
From memory, the great, great, great, great Jack Gibson coached NSW to only one win from 6 in 1988-89, at a time when Wally Lewis & co were supreme. But it didn't tarnish his reputation as a master coach. It was recognised back then that Qld had an extraordinary group of players, while NSW were rebuilding. Much like now. Have you thought the quality & experience, repeat quality & experience of the Qld players might have something to do with recent results? Then there's been the rather aimless & curious selections by a supposedly talented & experienced bunch of selectors. For example, you don't have the captain of the team coming off the bench. Bellamy's record at club level can't be faulted. Unfortunately for him, he took charge of NSW at a transition stage. The state is still trying to figure out who their best players are. They also fail to show any patience with a long-term plan. Any coach will struggle when he doesn't have a direct vote in the team selected. Finally, NSW showed a ton of grit last night in SOO3. They came from behind to lead, to only lose again at the death. It was a mighty performance. Perhaps you should look beyond the loss & at the positives.
Jeff
Guest
What a crazy article. just look at the 'fringe players that Bellamy and his staff have turned into champs. No one could have got this NSW lot into a winning position, the selections were mildly putting it ---- WEIRD . Yeah Meesta Bellamy, give em away and come back to Melbourne where we have team players.