CRAIG Bellamy has given the strongest indication yet that he will stay on as coach of the Melbourne Storm - with the club poised to offer him $1 million a season to ensure he stays. Bellamy is off-contract at the end of 2013, but talks to extend his contract are sure to crank up after Sunday's grand final against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.
In a candid interview to start grand final week, the 52-year-old also revealed:-
HIS next contract is likely to be his last before he retires, meaning money would be a factor;
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HE would find it almost impossible to coach against Storm superstars Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk; and
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PROVING he could successfully coach at another club, like mentor Wayne Bennett, will not be a factor in his contract decision.
"I've got no great desire to be leaving here, for whatever reason," Bellamy said yesterday. "I've got no desire to leave, because it's a good club, I'm happy, and they're a really good bunch of players. "Someone in the club asked me a couple of months ago if I felt the need to go somewhere else to prove myself. I don't. "People have their opinions on what I've done and what I haven't done. I don't need to change anyone's opinion of me." Bellamy has been heavily linked to other NRL clubs, including the Warriors, Dragons and Roosters.
During the Storm's five-match losing streak post-Origin, Bellamy was believed to be doubting whether he should stay. But discussions with chairman Stephen Rue and the success of the Storm in recent weeks means he is leaning towards staying. Last month the Warriors were said to be keen to pay him $4 million over three years to coach them.
It is understood the Storm are ready to pay him handsomely to stay.The club is mindful that several key players have clauses in their contracts that allow them to walk away if Bellamy moves on as coach. Storm owners News Limited also know that Bellamy would be fundamental to any sale of the club in the next few years.
Asked why he would leave the Storm, Bellamy replied: "You're getting older. People say it's not about the money. It might not be at the top of the list, but it's probably second. It's the same for players. "I don't know how much longer I will go on, but I won't be going another 10 years, or even five. You want to do the best you can; that's how I am thinking. The next contract will be my last."
Bellamy said it would be difficult to coach against the "big three" of Smith, Slater and Cronk - something he found hard during his stint as NSW coach. Smith said the coach's concerns that his methods were wearing thin because he had coached the senior players for so long were unfounded.
"If Bellyache wanted to go to another club, it would be a sad day for everyone," the captain said. "I'd be definitely disappointed that he was moving on."But we wouldn't hold anything against him. Hopefully that day doesn't come. I'm not too sure what Craig's thinking at the moment. I hope he wants to stay, but if he wants to move on all the best to him."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ch-craig-bellamy/story-e6frexnr-1226480642288
