The Melbourne Storm will not pressure coach Craig Bellamy to make a decision regarding his future beyond 2026, despite overtures from the Gold Coast Titans. Recent reports indicate that the Titans have expressed interest in securing Bellamy’s services, even while they announced the appointment of Josh Hannay as their head coach on a three-year contract.
According to a statement from Titans CEO Steve Mitchell, the club would welcome Bellamy “in any capacity,” suggesting they envision roles for him beyond head coaching. Mitchell confirmed discussions have taken place with Bellamy concerning potential opportunities at the Titans, whether in coaching or another off-field position. The Titans are so committed to this pursuit that they have made arrangements for Hannay to transition into an assistant role if Bellamy were to accept a position with the club.
Melbourne Storm officials have maintained that they will continue their established approach with the 66-year-old Bellamy, who has a long-standing relationship with the club. They have typically allowed him to evaluate his future on a year-by-year basis, a practice that began with a five-year contract signed in 2021. Even though that agreement has now expired, the Storm indicated they would follow the same strategy moving forward. It is anticipated that discussions regarding Bellamy’s plans for 2027 will take place during the upcoming season.
The Storm’s position is not surprising; other clubs have previously attempted to recruit Bellamy, notably the Brisbane Broncos, who sought to bring him back after his tenure as an assistant under Wayne Bennett. On each occasion, Bellamy chose to remain in Melbourne, where he has established an unparalleled legacy.
Entering his 24th season with the Storm, Bellamy holds the record for the longest tenure of any coach at a single club in the history of the National Rugby League (NRL). He has led the Storm to 11 grand finals, an achievement unmatched by any other coach. It is widely believed that Bellamy may either retire with the Storm or transition to a consultancy or general manager role, assisting in a leadership transition that could see former players like Billy Slater or long-time assistant Marc Brentnall take over coaching responsibilities.
Additionally, there are personal ties that connect Bellamy to the Gold Coast. He and his wife own property in the area, while his daughter and her family reside there. This could add an emotional layer to his potential decision-making regarding his future.
Mitchell commented on the speculation surrounding Hannay’s contract, emphasizing the confidentiality of employee agreements. “We are very excited to have Josh Hannay joining us as our head coach from 2026,” he stated. “We acknowledge Craig’s exceptional coaching credentials and reputation within the game and, like many NRL clubs, would welcome him and his family in any capacity.”
Currently, Hannay is overseas in the United Kingdom but is set to commence his first pre-season with the Titans next month. The 45-year-old has previous experience as an interim coach at both Cronulla and North Queensland, in addition to serving as a long-time assistant coach.
As the 2026 season approaches, the future of Craig Bellamy remains a focal point, not just for Melbourne Storm fans but for the wider NRL community as well. The unfolding dynamics between Bellamy, the Storm, and the Titans are likely to keep spectators engaged as they await developments in this high-stakes coaching saga.
