Dragons poised to make a play for Bellamy

[Drain the Dragon]

All these what ifs are doing my head in.

 

[Saintsified]

MELBOURNE are increasingly confident coach Craig Bellamy will shun a big-money offer from the Dragons to accept an estimated $4 million deal with the Storm.

Well-placed sources say Bellamy could formally commit to the Storm in the next fortnight, before the NRL premiers head to England for the World Club Challenge clash against Leeds on February 22.

The former Broncos assistant coach has maintained his silence since fielding a lucrative offer from St George Illawarra in December worth in excess of $5 million over five years.

But the Storm are not letting Bellamy go without a fight.

It is understood the club has discussed a four or five-year arrangement, worth about $1m annually, that will see Bellamy finish his coaching career in Melbourne.

``We are reasonably confident," a Storm insider said last night.

``Craig has kept his cards close to his chest. At the moment it's a 50-50 call but we expect him to stay.

``He wants to get it done before the World Club Challenge, it would be a wrench for him to go."

Storm chief executive Ron Gauci said the club would not put pressure on Bellamy, who said before last year's grand final he had no intention of leaving Melbourne.

``We're being very clear to stay out of it ... we don't want to jeopardise the negotiations with him," Gauci said.

``There's a number of factors he is considering and he deserves time to consider what is best for him."

 

[Country Dragon]

No announcement today???

 

[to_ddeath]

Increasingly confident or reasonably confident? Are they the same thing?

 

[Saintsified]

4m not 10m is the key.

 

[Gomarchin]

I can't wait to hear what P. Doust has to say when Bellamy announces he is staying. Will he publically admit we made a million $ offer to lure him across in 2014? Will he give Price a chance to prove himself before deciding whether to pursue another coach for 2014? Can't help but think that Bellamy's decision not to come across next year might have a detrimental effect on how we perform this year.

I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Godz Illa]

I tend to think the opposite, funnily enough. I may be alone here. I have the feeling that if Bellamy signs, the motivation for 2013 will drop across the board - everyone will be looking to the next season. But if he knocks us back I can see it galvanising the joint a bit, with a lift in performance

 

[R&WTILLIDIE]

I tend to think the opposite, funnily enough. I may be alone here. I have the feeling that if Bellamy signs, the motivation for 2013 will drop across the board - everyone will be looking to the next season. But if he knocks us back I can see it galvanising the joint a bit, with a lift in performance

Or if Bellamy signs then everyone will play well to impress the incoming coach

 

[possm]

I tend to think the opposite, funnily enough. I may be alone here. I have the feeling that if Bellamy signs, the motivation for 2013 will drop across the board - everyone will be looking to the next season. But if he knocks us back I can see it galvanising the joint a bit, with a lift in performance

In my opinion, if he signs all players are likely to do their best to send Price out on a good note and at the same time enhance their own prospects under a new coach. There are a few coming off contract in 2014 and also a few good players coming off contract outside the Club.

Bellamy's signature would boost the spirits of players and Dragon Supporters.

On the other hand, if Bellany knocks us back, you may find the coach for 2014 will be Brown, Sheens or Smith. Not so exciting.

 

[Godz Illa]

Or if Bellamy signs then everyone will play well to impress the incoming coach

Yeah that's a factor, but I'd say it's a limited one - it would apply to a handful of players at the most. The majority of players would be quite secure I think, whether it be at this club or finding another. Compared to what I'm supposing might happen though - a united, steeled playing group and staff - it pales in comparison.

On the other hand, if Bellany knocks us back, you may find the coach for 2014 will be Brown, Sheens or Smith. Not so exciting.

Exactly what I mean - behind Bellamy the options are fairly bare. Steve Price has an opportunity to make himself the compelling choice. If the team gets behind him (and as far as we know most players like and respect him), and perform well - especially early in the season when these decisions are made - they can keep their man in the job. Seems like strong motivation to me.

 

[Old_Timer]

......Steve Price has an opportunity to make himself the compelling choice......

Words fail me and that does not happen to often.

 

[possm]

Words fail me and that does not happen to often.

Yes I agree. All the wishful thinking by fans is unlikely to make a difference. You can talk things up all you like, but what we have is what we have.

My view has always been a pragmatic one. The team will fire and might even make the top 4 this year on these conditions:

1. The coach can motivate the players to perform to their potential.
2. The coach can regulary formulate a winning game plan.
3. The players believe in the game plan and follow it for 80min.
4. The players believe in themselves and put in the extra yards each week.
5. the player believe in each other and work hard for each other (like under Bennett).

I believe Bellamy to be capable of putting the above into action. I very much doubt Price could do this in 2013. And to take this one step further, I believe Brown, Sheens and Smith could make this happen.

 

[redbreed]

If bellamy signs all players will be putting in to impress the new coach we've seen new coaches dispense with players still under contract if they don't fit in with his plans

 

[Country Dragon]

Yes I agree. All the wishful thinking by fans is unlikely to make a difference. You can talk things up all you like, but what we have is what we have.

My view has always been a pragmatic one. The team will fire and might even make the top 4 this year on these conditions:

1. The coach can motivate the players to perform to their potential.
2. The coach can regulary formulate a winning game plan.
3. The players believe in the game plan and follow it for 80min.
4. The players believe in themselves and put in the extra yards each week.
5. the player believe in each other and work hard for each other (like under Bennett).

I believe Bellamy to be capable of putting the above into action. I very much doubt Price could do this in 2013. And to take this one step further, I believe Brown, Sheens and Smith could make this happen.

Sheens and Smith would already have jobs if they were that impressive!

 

[Godz Illa]

First possm says Brown, Sheens and Smith are not so exciting, and now he says they're capable of this whole list of achievements? We've been possmed again

 

[gorilla]

I tend to think the opposite, funnily enough. I may be alone here. I have the feeling that if Bellamy signs, the motivation for 2013 will drop across the board - everyone will be looking to the next season. But if he knocks us back I can see it galvanising the joint a bit, with a lift in performance

Agreed

 

[Fire]

We should chase Mundine as coach, at least the post-game pressers would be entertaining.

 

[possm]

First possm says Brown, Sheens and Smith are not so exciting, and now he says they're capable of this whole list of achievements? We've been possmed again

I like to be friendly and am always willing to help any difficulties you may have with my posts.

Let's make it a little more simple for you:

Even though the thought of Brown, Sheens and Smith being appoint coach of the Dragons in 2014 is less exciting than the thought of Bellamy being signed, it is my opinion that Brown, Sheens and Smith could cut the mustard while I am of the opinion that Price would not.

I hope this makes things a little clearer for you.

 

[LatK7]

We should chase Mundine as coach, at least the post-game pressers would be entertaining.

Imagine the presser if he took Saints to a Premiership as coach...

 

[Fire]

Imagine the presser if he took Saints to a Premiership as coach...

:lol::lol:

The universe would implode!