https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/be...-sign-two-year-extension-20210428-p57n7f.html
Craig Bellamy is poised to commit to coaching Melbourne again next year, extending his association with the club to a 20th season.
And in a further boost for the Storm, superstar fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is close to agreeing to a new two-year extension that will result in him staying put until the end of 2024.
Despite fielding interest from Brisbane and Cronulla, Bellamy has indicated his desire to stay put as head coach for at least another year. The move will end speculation about his future and provide the Storm with a huge boost in their quest to defend their premiership.
Melbourne officials have given Bellamy time and space required to come to a decision, conscious that he was dealing with a family matter while also focusing on the team. Out of respect to the Storm and the other interested parties, the 61-year-old is poised to officially bring the matter to a conclusion.
Bellamy has told Storm powerbrokers he intends to coach the side again next year, although the parties are still in dialogue about potential roles beyond 2022. Their preference is for him to coach on as long as possible, although the club is also open to him taking on an off-field role of his choosing.
That could be an option should the premiership-winning mentor decide to relocate to Brisbane for family reasons after the end of next season.
Craig Bellamy will continue to coach the Storm in 2022.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
The development is a huge filip for a Storm side attempting to win back-to-back titles. Bellamy has a winning rate of 69 per cent, the best of any coach in the modern era. He has received lucrative approaches over the years to switch to rivals, but has never been able to bring himself to coach against the men in purple.
The Broncos have privately been resigned to missing out on Bellamy, who they sought as a coaching director to assist Kevin Walters. The Sharks had also held out hope he would work with the incoming Craig Fitzgibbon next year.
The strength of the Storm squad is one of the key reasons for Bellamy wanting to continue and one of their best players is also poised to further commit to the club. Papenhuyzen is already contracted until the end of 2022, but talks have progressed to extend the star fullback until the end of 2024.
While James Tedesco has long been considered the game’s top fullback, Papenhuyzen’s performances will put pressure on Brad Fittler to make room for him in his Blues squad for the upcoming State of Origin series. The 22 year old is considered one of the best and most marketable athletes in the game.
