One of the National Rugby League’s most iconic coaching figures, Melbourne Storm’s Craig Bellamy, has confirmed he will remain at the helm of the club for the 2026 season, while dropping the strongest hint yet that his legendary NRL career could draw to a close as early as 2027. The 66-year-old coaching great, who has been contracted with the Storm through the end of the 2028 season, shifted to a year-by-year career planning approach after receiving a diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disorder this past April.
Speaking at a pre-game press conference held in Perth on Friday, Bellamy made his near-term plans official for the franchise he has led for nearly a quarter century. “I’ll be coaching next year, but yeah, I think that might be the end,” Bellamy told assembled reporters. “Anyway, we’ll see what happens.”
This announcement carries significant roster implications for the Storm, particularly for star player and Queensland Maroons captain Cameron Munster. Munster, who has been with Melbourne since 2014, previously stated he would stay with the club as long as Bellamy remained in charge. Though he had been granted approval to enter contract negotiations with the newly expanded Papua New Guinea Chiefs, a franchise set to join the NRL in 2028, Bellamy’s confirmation makes it far more likely Munster will remain in Melbourne.
Bellamy opened up about the deep, long-standing bond he shares with the star playmaker, praising Munster’s commitment to the club and his teammates. “We have (a bond), and it’s been a long one, too, you know? We’ve seen ups and downs, ins and outs, and whatever together. Like I say, he’s been just a wonderful clubman, he’s been a wonderful player, too. The care he’s got for his teammates and the care he’s got for our club, I haven’t seen too many players with more care than what Mun has for the Storm.”
This 2025 season has been a challenging one for Bellamy and the Storm. After 20 matches, the club holds just 8 wins and sits in 12th place on the league ladder, all but certain to miss the 2025 NRL finals series. Despite the underwhelming campaign, Bellamy says his squad remains focused on closing the season with momentum. The Storm is set to face off against the Manly Sea Eagles at Perth’s HBF Park at 3pm Saturday.
“We still want to try and finish the season on an upward note, you know? So we’ll see what happens,” Bellamy said. “Like I say, as long as we keep preparing well and training well, it gives us a chance to do that. They’re all working hard at the moment, so that’s all we need to do.”
Bellamy’s tenure with Melbourne is one of the longest and most decorated in modern rugby league. The 2026 season will mark his 25th year with the franchise, and he already hit a major milestone earlier this season when he coached his 600th game for the club.