Melbourne Storm are counting on Craig Bellamy choosing love over money following St George Illawarra’s massive bid to secure their successful NRL coach.
Off contract at the end of the 2014 season, the Dragons are believed to have tabled Bellamy an offer worth $6 million over five years.
The mastermind of the 2012 premiership, Bellamy has said he’s “50-50” about the possibility of leaving the club where he started his senior coaching career back in 2003 and he plans to make a decision on what’s likely to be his final coaching contract this month.
“We know he’s looking elsewhere and he’s entitled to do that,” Storm chief executive Ron Gauci said on Wednesday.
“We’re obviously keen to keep him and we’re negotiating to do that.”
Gauci said that with two clubs vying for him the chances of keeping him were also 50-50, but he hoped that Bellamy’s strong emotional ties would prove too strong.
Bellamy steered the club back to the 2012 title after the ignominy of losing their 2007 and 2009 titles for salary cap cheating, and he has a close bond with his players especially Storm superstars Cameron Smith and Billy Slater.
Ryan Hoffman and Brett Finch both returned from England to play again under their mentor.
“We’d like to think that the emotional ties that he has to the club and its players will weigh in his thoughts,” Gauci says.
“If this is to be his last contract that he’ll consider where he’d like to finish his coaching days.
“We’d like to think that weighs favourably our way as well.”
Gauci said the Storm weren’t surprised by the reported size of the Dragons’ offer given Bellamy’s well-proven ability and standing in the game.
They planned to do all they could to accommodate him in terms of money and contract length, with the 54-year-old feeling this deal could be his last.
“We’re very keen to work with Craig’s requirements to keep him,” Gauci said.
“He has the role for as long as he wants as long as I’m in the chair.”
The Storm resume training in Melbourne on Thursday following a 10-day break, with representative players skipper Smith and Cooper Cronk to make their first official appearances at training.
Slater has been granted leave to attend his sister’s wedding.
Meanwhile, the club confirmed it will have a team compete in Harold Matthews (under 16) competition side for the first time in 2013.
Hez
Roar Rookie
I would be surprised if Pricey stayed under anyone after already serving his apprenticeship and having a taste of the big time.
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Bellamy knocked back an offer by the Warriors & is being chased by Dragons & Cowboys, but he is insisting he was committed to the Storm for the “long haul”. Michael Maguire seems a better proposition for the Dragons by a long shot, because Price could well be assistant coach to him, whereas Bellyache would likely bring his staff and snarly attitude with him. With Souths maybe low on money very soon, Michael Maguire just may be tempted by a hefty pay rise at the Dragons, and Souths the contract pay-out, & he's the low-key type of achieving coach typical of Dragons in their best years IMHO.
Dobber
Guest
Correct coach outside the cap so News will offer lots to keep him but with the big 3 aging he should look elsewhere...
Morfs
Guest
After SG Ball, it's the NYC team, and from there, the NRL.
Jeff Cook
Guest
This more of a open question than reply . Melbourne play Harold Matthews Cup(NSWRL), SG Ball (NSWRL), than i`m lost. What is the pathway the SG Ball player takes from here ? Is it through the NSWRL as i ca`nt see any affiliation . Or through the QRL ?
Jeff Cook
Guest
As i understand it the coach`s pay packet is`nt included within the cap. Although it have to be an expense of the football club,with it`s annual budget. I`m sure i recall Jack Gibson saying the coach`s wage should be at least the highest paid player. Something i agree with. Considering there role at the football club the most important.
Pillock
Roar Rookie
Salary cap is $5.4m for a team and your talking about $6m for 5 years is $1.2m a year for the coach. Can see why the players are getting p#ssed it seems out of proportion ie coach versus player.
Stu
Guest
True. What is it at the moment? 50 degrees? No doubt it will snow tomorrow.
Morfs
Guest
From what I've read, a fair portion of the team should be Victorian players, as the idea is to open a more direct pathway from the VRL junior teams through to the NRL. However, the actual make up of the team is yet to be announced. As to where it's based, my guess is they'd be based in Melbourne but probably play in NSW?
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Is the Melb U/16 based in Melb ? if so does anybody know what percentage of players are Melbournian natives ? either way i think this is great news as it either means the game is developing in Vic really well or gives the juniors a good development path. Hope thier all not imported Kiwis.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Stu, You would be right about the cafes and bars but mate the weather and life style of Wollongong vs Melbournere is a no contest of extreme proportions
Stu
Guest
Agreed. He has the opportunity of developing a legacy as a one club coach, much like he encouraged Cronk, Slater and Smith to do. I hope he walks to walk and doesn't just talk the talk. Besides.... Wollongong cafes and bars vs Melbourne cafes and bars. No contest.
MattRusty
Roar Pro
If it is all sitting in super and u are over 60 years of age then the rate of tax is 0%, not 46.5%. Google "independent financial advice"...
Richard
Roar Guru
I agree that News need to be taught a lesson yewonk. But I'd hate to do it at our expense. Isn't that called "cutting off your nose to spite your face"?
yewonk
Guest
thats the point exactly richard but his employers are news limited and they wont pay him six million, and he should not stay just because he has a bond with players, i think he should leave and teach news a lesson.
Richard
Roar Guru
I think Craig Bellamy is worth the money. Love is one thing, but the Storm should reward him handsomely. So too should the NRL. Craig Bellamy has done an enormous amount for the Storm, but he has been instrumental in making inroads in Melbourne for the rugby league code. He's won the admiration of many of us previously rusted on AFL types. Let's hope the Storm don't ask Craig Bellamy to make any more unreasonable sacrifices. After what he's done at Melbourne, that would be an insult indeed. Pay him the $6m.
Jeff Cook
Guest
A bit of accountants biffO, i love it when they have a go!
mushi
Roar Guru
did you factor in the inflation of your annuity payment and that you'd get taxed 46.5% upfront?
Novice
Guest
i was thinking lump sum but still $200k a year for 5 years, live on 50k invest 150k for the next 5, retire with a cool 3/4 mil at 4% = $30k a year before factoring in the interst earned. and with no mortgage plus the wifes pension sounds pretty good to me.
Novice
Guest
How do you figure that ? i calculate it to be $40k a year at 4%