High profile coaches Craig Bellamy and Brian Smith are both in need of a change of clubs. Depending on the results of the remaining five rounds it may happen as early as 2013.
Bellamy, along with Wayne Bennett, is regarded as one of the top two rugby league coaches. Many experts predict he will retire as the game’s best ever coach.
He was lured to the Melbourne Storm by John Ribot (who also signed Wayne Bennett to the Broncos) and his winning strike rate since 2008 is an astonishing 68%.
He has achieved this by not purchasing any high profile players. Bellamy prefers to develop his own list and rejuvenate players many considered “past it”.
He is the chief reason why rugby league is on the map in Melbourne and why fullback Billy Slater enjoys an AFL type profile.
The feeling is that he has done it all down south and is looking for a new challenge. Although he is contracted to the Storm until the end of next season, he may request an exit if the right job comes up for him in his home state of NSW.
Bellamy was born is the mining town of Portland in the Central Tablelands, named after Australia’s first cement works, only two hours’ drive from Sydney.
It will be difficult for Brian Smith to fulfil his contact to the end of next year if the Roosters complete the season poorly. They have a difficult draw including an away game against the Raiders, before taking on high profile teams Wests Tigers and the Bulldogs.
A trifecta of losses in the remaining rounds would likely see Smith get a tap on the shoulder.
The Roosters, who played in the grand final only two years ago, have only won seven of their 20 games this year and have conceded over 500 points at an average of 25 points per game.
It has been a rollercoaster ride for Smith and his Roosters but there is no doubt that the wheel has turned. Nothing short of a string of wins and a change of attitude from his players is likely to save him.
If Smith was to leave the Roosters, it would fast track negotiations for Bellamy to move to Moore Park 12 months early. It would be a perfect fit with so many young talented kids on the list and the promise of one of the world’s great athletes, Sonny Bill Williams, set to run out on the SFS next season.
Ironically, Brian Smith could find himself as the Blues mentor next year, although he would be in demand in the U.K. and maybe even at the Raiders, or as a clean swap to the Storm.
The Roosters have shown in the past that they can be creative and generally get their man, but to move Craig Bellamy from Melbourne to Sydney would be a massive coup and would require deep pockets.
Bellamy’s salary alone would be $1m, but he also has a huge support staff that he would want to take with him. Like Bellamy, they are part of a very attractive superannuation plan that News put in place for the Storm.
Current coach Brian Smith would have to be paid out, so all up the cost could be between $2m to $3m.
The Roosters are currently challenging for the wooden spoon and struggle to attract a crowd of over 10,000 fans to a game.
Bellamy and Sonny Bill Williams are both cast iron winners and would almost guarantee success. With success comes the fans and the sponsors.
$3m could be cheap.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Baz I think Bennett is better tactically in the big games. They are both wonderful at getting their players to turn up and get them to have a good last 40 mins.. Defence is always great and they dont make big errors. I dont think there is anything between them now and Bellamy has a long way to go and could end up the best ever. I really need to see more of Hasler but he certainly is in the top 3.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Trooper What about in the USA? They suffered through one Bush and then produced his idiot son and they actually voted him in twice. Could only happen in the USA. There is another son called Jeb who they used their money and influence to get the the Florida Governors gig. Brian Smith has his son at the Roosters.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Scott, I fully agree with you - although even in politics neprotism runs rifte, although frowned upon, it usually only causes problems when the masses complain ... The Queensland LNP party are currently having issues on that score ... Have always admired Bozo though - A bit like young Billy, I'm a little one-eyed - But, that wouldn't have been missed by the masses on this forum ... 0-) hee, hee !!! I'M GETTING A LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT TONIGHT - Always do when it comes to "MY BOYS!"
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Trooper It should never be aloud to be in that position. I remember Bob Fulton promoted his son to first grade and gave him this massive salary in the Super Laegue days and he was a genuine reserve grader, like Chris Anderson who promoted his son to halfback over Kimmorley. Oh, did I mention how much Craig Young pays his son who has been gone for 3 years.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Ian More like Kearney
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Meesta Why wud u not want Bellamy?
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Trooper Matt Orford only won the Dally M because Slater was outed. The award lost a heap of credibility that year as orford was give 3 points in later games when he was clearly not in the top 3.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Matt, Why would the Dogs be over the cap ? Players like Stagg, Halatau, Ennis, Inu, Perrett, Romelo, Payne, Turner, Tolman were unwanted by other clubs or forced out for salary cap reasons. Barba, Kasiano, Tapau, Wright, Finucane, Jackson, Goodwin among others were brought through the system or bought as reserve graders. Josh Morris had not played rep footy when he moved over from the Dragons where he was forced out by cap pressure. It's only really Pritchard, Hodkinson and maybe Graham that they've gone out and offered $$ to sign. The list of players I've just named are all in or around the first grade team - it hardly reads like an NRLs list of who's who. No one assumed that this group of players would get near the premiership this year - now all of a sudden they're a team of stars ???
The Barry
Roar Guru
Based on your comments aout Bennett why do you rate Bellamy higher than Bennett ? Not having a crack genuinely interested. Your comments indicate that you rate Bennett a better coach ? Do you mean that you would back Bennett in a semi but Bellamy as a week to week premiership coach. You're spot on about Bennett timing his teams runs. He was a master at taking the heat off the Broncos post Origin and then building into the semis. I think Griffin is learning that it's not as easy as it looks - although he doesn't have the same experienced players that Bennett had.
The Barry
Roar Guru
If you look carefully mate you'll note that I was responding to the comment made by Sledgeross about Tim Sheens.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
In the REAL WORLD it's called NEPOTISM - favoritism granted to relatives regardless of merit ... "It's a very touchy matter, and it can work wonders--or wreak havoc."
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Kev SBW is a done deal and has been for a long while. The last 4 games will answer the Smithy question. If they lose their last 3 games it will be hard to have him back up for next year. I could see an interim coach come in for 12 months until Bellamy is available.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Saj Doust seems to have handled his cap poorly. Any CEO who allows the guy in charge of recruitment to sign his son for $200k more than his real value should be sacked.
PLANKO
Guest
Ok i was not taking the mick I was interested as being 60 put's him in at the era of the late 60's to early 80's my father, step fathers friends and uncle's who played for Manly and Norths. All played during this time. Players made more then and had more opportunities in this era .... Players of the current era are getting screwed.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Planko, well maybe, just maybe, Mrs Bellamy is more like me or maybe Slater's mother ... Infact, I don't know anyone who moved away from home and had or expected their parents to rearrange their lives, because their child or sister decided to have children ... I live in NQ, and my son's children where born in Melbourne and now reside in Perth due to my sons career arrangements ... I'm sure my hubby knows, I'm not going to pull up stumps to live in their pockets, and they wouldn''t want me too, no matter how good a relationship we had ... What do they say, you can't live there lives for them, but that doesn't mean they aren't on my mind every day ... It might also amaze you that there have been many times that Smith, Cronk and Slater's famiily don't make it to every game they play either, whether they are Grand Finals, SOO or for Australia ... Infact earlier this year when the Storm played in Townsville, Billy travelled with his little girl, so she could see her grandparents and aunty, while his wife and son stayed back in Melbourne ... Cam also has a young family, and, even though the boys have all lived in Melbourne for a decade, their families, have resisted the urge to move down south, choosing to keep the home fires burning up here in Queensland ...
Tony Archers Maroon Underwear
Guest
Sure is fair What did Dell cop for having a bit of coke, he didn't hurt anybody nor did he gain any competitive advantage over his opponents (if anything the compete opposite) Yet the Storm cheated everyone and rorted their way to premierships and through every game for years and years. But the NRL chooses to whistle and look the other way when it comes to these players and coach. The punishment to the club was fair, but what about the individuals involved in the conspiracy (which is what it was), I cant believe anyone seriously believes the players had no idea, and Bellamy well you can give me a wedgie if he didn't know.
kevin mac
Guest
So you strongly believe Smith is going then? Do you think that will in any way impact the negotiations for the roosters signing SBW?
josh
Guest
also fair
eagleJack
Guest
Scott, pretty certain Whare wasn't in the 17.
Matt
Guest
Have you watched the Broncos recently? If they're cheating the cap and still walking away with losses they're doing it all wrong. The broncos have a lot of newbies. The bulldogs have a ton of talent, and seem to be recruiting more and more. How they could do it under the cap is remarkable, either they're cheating, or people will take a lower paycheck because they believe they will get a premiership (which after all is what you want, if your good you'll get paid well anywhere, but you don't want to retire with lots of money and no premiership. Thurston for instance).