The end appears nigh for Craig Bellamy who admits he does not expect to continue on as an NRL coach after his Melbourne contract expires in two years.
Two-time premiership-winning mentor Bellamy has held the Storm reins since 2003 and had not shown any signs of slowing down this year.
He collected his fifth Dally M Coach of the Year award in 2019 after guiding Melbourne to the minor premiership, suffering just four losses in the regular season.
However, the 60-year-old admitted he did not see himself remaining in the NRL when his current contract expires.
Asked if he would still be coaching in five years’ time, Bellamy told Sky Sports Radio on Wednesday: “Nah, I don’t think so.
“I’ve got another two years to go on this contract here so I see that as (the end).
“I’ve been doing it for a fair while now and there’s probably a couple of other things I’m thinking I might like doing in a couple of years’ time.
“We’ll see what happens, but I’m thinking that will be basically the end of my career as a head coach, anyway.”
Bellamy also vowed to mellow in what looms as his final years in the NRL.
The super intense mentor’s sometimes over the top reactions in the coach’s box have become legend, ensuring a TV camera is always trained on Bellamy during games – much to his annoyance.
“I get a little bit embarrassed at times and I think ‘you’re a dickhead, what are you doing that for?” Bellamy said.
“Earlier in my career I sort of accepted it a little bit and think ‘that’s who I am,’ but I’m 60 now – 60-year-olds shouldn’t be acting like that so it’s a little bit embarrassing at times.”
Bellamy’s more immediate concern is preparing a Storm outfit for 2020 without the likes of Will Chambers (rugby) and Curtis Scott (Canberra).
“We’ve lost some outside backs and that area is going to take a bit of plugging,” he said.
“We haven’t got a whole heap of room to move on the cap either so we’ll be reliant on a couple of young guys or a couple of guys with a bit of experience that are looking for an opportunity.”
KenW
Guest
How many of those rep players will still be rep players without Smith guiding them around though? Not intending a cheap shot but Cam Smith is the most influential player I've ever seen. He makes everyone around him look good. It will be genuinely interesting to see if many of these rep players can maintain their reputations once he leaves. Personally I think they're heading for a low time. I don't blame Bellamy for not wanting to be around for it, not because he's scared or incapable, but because he wouldn't want to commit to stick around for the full re-build.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Maybe Wayne is having a quiet chuckle to himself that he's getting a million odd dollars a season. It's like paying a million dollars a year for a player , you'd be expecting to see a big difference on the field compared to a coach on $200, 000. If they kept the coaches name secret for the last 5 years . would anyone pick where Bennett coached? The Brits looked like they grabbed someone from centre link to coach them and payed them with a couple of Hungry Jacks vouchers and a carton of Winne Blues.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
End up like his mate Wayne? Regular top 4 contender getting paid over a mil a season? What a downfall that’d be.
RoryStorm
Guest
Bellamy doesn't need to prove anything to anybody. As one of the highest paid coaches over the last few years, I'm sure he would like to do other things, particuarly with his kids and their kids. You never know when your time's up. There's been a couple of high profile ex rugby league identities cut down in their prime the last couple of years. Not wishing anything, just saying.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
At age 60, why would he go to Warriors or Titans? Who needs it?
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
It's envy, plain and simple.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Everyone was saying that the Cows would be a force as well , plenty of reps in that team. Every team will struggle for periods and I reckon it will happen pretty soon with the Storm.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I have a theory. Looking at past premiership winning coaches, their age “sweet spot” seems to be between 40 - 55 years old or thereabouts. Sure, they have been some exceptions, but if you look at Bellamy, Bennet, Hasler, Flanagan, Green, Maquire, Sheens, etc I think they really peaked in those years.
Rob
Guest
I still expect them to be in and around the 8 but they won't be the premiership force they have been for the last decade.
Randy
Roar Rookie
He should test himself at another club. The Warriors should be bending over backwards to try and bring him to Auckland. He will probably end up back at Brisbane though....
Andrew
Guest
And the wwos was taken from the Big Sports Breakfast where Daley did an audio interview with his former teammate. I enjoyed the interview to. Bellamy has done some of those brief commentary appearances on Fox over the last couple of years and been as dull as dish water, so it was nice to see him talking frankly. And sidebar; I hope I am in that good shape when I am 60!
Walter White
Guest
Its Sydney mate, Melbourne was never intended to survive much less be a success. Its a real kick in the teeth for all of those heritage dinosaurs.
Brendon
Roar Rookie
Thats the same discussion that was had when Slater left, then when Cronk left. Considering the 2020 team will field 15 international players, including 6 origin players, they will always be a force. I 100% acknowledge Smith leaving will hit the Storm hard, but there is no way they will be done and dusted! And even when he retires, Smith will still be in Melbourne, coaching from the sideline!
Brendon
Roar Rookie
Thanks for posting, I wasn't sure the Roar rules on posting links to other sites. 100% agree, its a great interview, paints him really well and gives a glimpse into his team management skills as a whole (the player work program, the attitude towards the non-superstar players, etc) rather than just the "Big 3" conversation
Brendon
Roar Rookie
I 100% agree. I sit and yell at the TV during the footy (and yeah, will drop the f-bomb a lot!), as did my parents. Its normal, and I could think of nothing more boring than not being emotionally invested in a game! He also has a lot riding on the Storm players and their victories, so its only natural he'd be overly invested in their success! Honestly, and I don't like saying this often, but the hatred and media criticism of Bellamy is very similar to the criticism of Smith, very anti-Melbourne.
Brendon
Roar Rookie
Fare comment, and typically I would agree, why double up. The problem is this article is a hack-job of the wide world of sports article, leaving out the pieces I mentioned. So rather tha providing the story, they chose to take these pieces from it only. I 100% agree to only post new content (though I must say I prefer all content here for discussion with level header rational people rather than on social media :P) but if you are going to copy paste, as is the case here, take the entire thing, not just portions.
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
I like Bellamy's carry on. No harm done. Just shows that he is right into it and cares for his team.
Rob
Guest
Bellamy is a smart man. He knows once Smith is gone the Storm are too so it would be silly to hang around and have his reputation tarnished.
Nat
Roar Guru
In 2yrs time the Titans position will be up for grabs. He could still command the big bucks and maybe the lifestyle could calm him down. Although, the poor guy will need a de-fib machine comparing his $1m Cam Smith to a $1m Ash Taylor.
Larry1950
Guest
Sorry Brendon but I'd prefer a broad range of commentary in the media, not the rehash we currently get like a story attributed to aap. If you read or saw it elsewhere, what's the point in you seeing the same cut & paste here? As for Bellamy handing over to Cam Smith in 2022, I reckon Cam would be aiming at a senior executive role somewhere, why get an ulcer by taking up coaching when he could be NRL CEO by 40. As much as he's done great things at the Storm, Bellamy would know it will be much harder without any survivor from the 'big 3' on the field.