Support for Craig Bellamy from Close Friends and Colleagues
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has publicly shown his support for his close friend, Craig Bellamy, following the announcement that the Melbourne Storm coach has been diagnosed with an unspecified neurological degenerative condition. The NRL club confirmed the news on Thursday night, stating that the 66-year-old will continue as the Storm’s head coach for the foreseeable future.
Stuart and Bellamy have a long-standing relationship, having played together for the Canberra Raiders in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the 1990 NSWRL grand final victory over Penrith. Their friendship has remained strong over the years, with the pair recently meeting after the Raiders defeated the Storm 26-22 on April 17.
Before their round-seven match, Stuart praised Bellamy, calling him the best coach in the modern era and expressing high regard for his work. When asked about his awareness of Bellamy’s condition, Stuart revealed he had known about it for about three or four weeks.
“I know he’s getting very good advice (and) got good people around him … in Melbourne,” Stuart said on Friday. “He’s got a beautiful family, so it’s now time for Craig to really care about Craig and put himself first.”
In February, Bellamy signed a contract with the Storm that will see him remain with the club until the end of 2028. The team has expressed full support for Bellamy, stating that specialists have advised they are not expected to impact his ability to coach in the immediate future.
Taking over the Storm in 2003, Bellamy has coached 614 NRL games with a win rate of nearly 70 per cent. He also played 150 matches for Canberra during his playing career.
Parramatta coach Jason Ryles, who previously worked as an assistant under Bellamy between 2016 and 2020, shared his thoughts on the news. Ryles found out about Bellamy’s condition on Friday morning and noted how valuable his experience working alongside the Storm mentor was for his own coaching career.
Ryles, who was considered for Bellamy’s role before re-signing with the Storm for the 2024 season, said that Bellamy’s legacy is unmatched.
“He (Bellamy) makes a grand final every two years, and he’s done it for 20 years, and I don’t think that will ever be replicated again. That speaks to him and his legacy in our game,” Ryles said. “He’s an incredibly successful coach, and you don’t do that by not being a good person.”
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, another former Raiders teammate and a Storm assistant under Bellamy for five years, described the veteran as a “fighter.” Maguire shared his personal connection to Bellamy, highlighting the deep respect he has for the coach.
“Craig and I have had some great times together and you obviously care about the people who have been a part of your career,” Maguire said on Friday. “Knowing Craig I know he’ll be right, he’s a fighter and he’ll get through this and keep coaching.”
