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The rugby league world is coming to grips with the “heartbreaking” news Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder.
The NRL club announced the news on Thursday evening and many around Australia’s sporting scene were quick to offer their well wishes to the supercoach and his family.
The Age journalist Roy Ward, who has covered the Storm over the years, called the news “truly heartbreaking”.
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Melbourne say the diagnosis should not impact Bellamy’s role with the club in the immediate future.
“He is receiving the best possible medical treatment and has been advised by specialists that his diagnosis will not have an impact on his ability to coach the team in the immediate future,” a club statement said.
Bellamy is in the midst of one of his toughest challenges as Storm coach.
Melbourne have lost their past six games, which chairman Matt Tripp alluded to in the statement.
But the Storm boss backed the coach to lead the team out of the rut.
“Despite our recent results, I firmly believe Craig is still coaching at an elite level and I have no doubt he is the right person to drive the club forward,” Tripp said.
“Craig has the full support of the board, players, coaches, and staff to continue leading the club as he has done for the last 24 seasons.”
The statement also said: “Given the private nature of the diagnosis, Craig and the club will make no further comment on the matter.”
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Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy. NRL Imagery
After the weekend’s massive loss to South Sydney in Melbourne, Bellamy said it was “the most embarrassed I’ve ever been” after a Storm game.
Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and The Eighth, Andrew Johns explained just how dire the situation was in Melbourne.
“I don’t think they will make the eight… they can’t win (the premiership),” Johns said.
“I imagine it would be really wearing (Bellamy) thin. He hasn’t been in this position ever before in his coaching career.”
Bellamy recently made the decision to step down from his role with NSW’s State of Origin men’s team.
League great Brad Fittler says the Storm’s plight has clearly taken a toll on the coach.
“He’s not young. There’s a lot of things at the moment that would be taking their toll,” Fittler said.
Craig Bellamy and Laurie Daley last year. NRL Imagery
Bellamy is contracted as Melbourne’s coach until the end of 2028, having signed a fresh deal in February.
The 66-year-old will notch up his 614th game as an NRL head coach when the Storm face the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
Only Wayne Bennett and Tim Sheens have tallied more games as a head coach in Australian first grade.
Melbourne have won three legitimate premierships under Bellamy, who took up the head coaching gig at the Victorian club ahead of the 2003 season.
The Storm won their most recent premiership in 2020, beating the Panthers 26-20.
Bellamy has won Dally M Coach of the Year a record seven times, in 2006, 2007, 2011, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2024.
Melbourne are sitting 16th on the ladder after eight rounds in 2026, with two wins and four losses.
