Craig Bellamy coy on Storm coaching future after Munster comments

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has re-iterated his support for Cameron Munster should he ultimately choose to leave the club for a big-money deal with the PNG Chiefs in 2028.

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But he’s refused to commit to staying on at the club himself as coach, despite the urgings of his star five-eighth.

Speaking from Storm training as the club prepares to face the Bulldogs in NRL Round 22 without both Munster and Harry Grant, Bellamy was clear that Munster had earned the right do what is best for himself and his family.

“I’ll back ‘Mun’ with whatever he wants to do,” Bellamy said, echoing earlier comments he made when reports emerged the Queensland and Australian five-eighth was set to tour the Chiefs’ facilities in Port Moresby — a decision he’s since put off until the NRL offseason.

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“(Cameron) has been such a great servant to this club, if that’s what he really wants to do, he’ll go with my blessing,” he continued.

‘Well that isn’t going to be happening’ says Bellamy

Asked about Munster’s declaration on Wednesday that he would stay at the Storm if Bellamy stays on as coach, the veteran mentor chuckled.

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“Well that isn’t going to be happening,” he laughed.

“The next year… or two… I’ll be finishing up.

“I’d love to go right through my coaching career with him ending at the same time, but he’s got a decision to make.”

With the 12th placed Storm still a mathematical, albeit unlikely, chance of playing finals despite a season beset by serious injuries to key players, Bellamy said it was probably the worst injury run he’s ever been involved with.

“I honestly can’t remember such a bad run with injuries, especially to our leaders and our spine players,” he admitted.

“Munster is out, Hughesy has been struggling for the last couple of weeks, but we’ve needed him in there… and obviously now with Harry (Grant).”

“That’s been a blow to us, but our mentality is ‘if someone misses out, someone else gets a chance’ … to display their skills and hopefully do good job for us.”

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