Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski has offered insight into what the club will look for when Craig Bellamy eventually steps away from coaching.
Rodski said the club has been preparing carefully for life after Bellamy, while respecting the veteran mentor's right to decide his own future.
"At the end of the day, we respect the fact that Craig is going to take the time he needs," Rodski told SEN 1170’s The Run Home.
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Bellamy, 66, is contracted for 2026 but has yet to confirm his plans beyond next season.
Rodski said discussions would take place once Bellamy returns from off-season holidays, with both sides working together on a way forward.
"Whatever it might be, it will be done together and in partnership," he said.
"It has been an incredible 24 years together."
But while Bellamy's future remains open, the club has already been mapping out a long-term succession plan.
"We have been discussing that over the last three or four years," Rodski said.
"You’ve always got to be planning for the unknown.
"You’re never going to replace someone like Craig Bellamy, but the decision on who we do put in the coaches’ chair when he does finally hang up the boots is such an important one for our club."
Rodski made it clear that the club's preference is to appoint someone who embodies what he called, "Storm DNA."
"Someone with Storm DNA is clearly preferable for us as well," he said.
"Craig has had a lot of lieutenants over the years and assistants who have been through our system and understand our culture and our way of doing things.
"You’d like to think that it is someone that comes from that stock."
However, Rodski didn't rule out exploring options outside of the club if the right person comes along.
"At the same time, we would be open to exploring all avenues to ensure we get the best person," he said.
For now, Bellamy will attempt to right the wrongs of the last two seasons - but when the time comes, the Storm need to find someone who can uphold his legacy.