After 23 years at the helm of the Melbourne Storm, Craig Bellamy’s coaching future could be heading in an unexpected direction, with fresh reports suggesting a possible move to the Gold Coast.
This follows revelations from the AAP that newly appointed Gold Coast Titans head coach Josh Hannay’s contract contains a unique clause allowing the club to target Melbourne Storm mentor Craig Bellamy if he becomes available.
While Storm fans may struggle to imagine the NRL icon in another club’s colours, star five-eighth Cameron Munster says he would fully support his long-time mentor’s next move, no matter what it may be.
Currently in London preparing for the Kangaroos’ first Ashes Test against England at Wembley Stadium next week, Munster said no one at the Storm — including himself — would dare stand in Bellamy’s way.
MORE: ‘I’m not closing the door’: Ex-Storm powerhouse hints at potential code switch
“I don’t think anyone would be filthy enough to tell him that he couldn’t leave,” Munster stated according to the Daily Telegraph.
“If he thinks that is best for his family, I’m all for it.”
The 66-year-old has coached 600 NRL games, becoming just the fourth coach to reach the milestone, with an impressive career win rate of 70 per cent and leading Melbourne to five grand finals.
Having spent his entire career under Bellamy, Munster said the veteran coach has more than earned the right to leave the Storm on his own terms if he chooses to pursue another opportunity.
“If that is what he thinks is best for him and his family, I would never stand in his way and I don’t think the club would either,” he said.
“He has done so much for the game and our club that I don’t think anyone would be filthy enough to tell him that he couldn’t leave.
“I know he has ties there (on the Gold Coast) with his daughter, Rach and he loves the ‘Goldie’ and the weather.
“He has done everything he can at the club for 23 years as a head coach so to go out on his terms would be pretty special. A lot of other coaches don’t get that opportunity.
“For him to say, ‘I’m going to leave on my terms’, is testament to him and how hard he has worked. But at the same time he would be sorely missed.”