Storm captain Christian Welch has detailed what it’s like to be in the Storm coaches box with a “fired up” a Craig Bellamy.
Speaking with Darcie McDonald on the latest episode of the Fox League podcast, Welch, who spent a lot of time in the coaches box last season due to an ACL injury, says it’s a “pretty intense” environment.
“You just don’t want to do anything in case you draw his attention…He gets pretty fired up in the box,” Welch said.
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“It’s amazing how passionate he is and how invested he is in the team.
“Unless we are playing like spuds, the majority of the time he settles well and collects himself on the journey from the coaches box down to the team.”
Whether Bellamy returns as the Storm head coach beyond this season is still up in the air, with Melbourne legend and current Queensland coach Billy Slater a potential replacement.
Welch would like to see the champion coach return, but says “there is more to life than footy” and would understand if Bellamy finished up after the season.
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‘Not sure (if Bellamy stays on). He keeps his cards pretty close to his chest,” Welch said.
I think he enjoys coaching us and obviously it’s a pretty young squad and we’re going through some unique challenges he probably hasn’t had to deal with in the past ten years.
“We love him at the club and what he brings. He’s just a phenomenal coach and mentor for all of us guys so we’d love for him to stay.
“We’ll see what happens, but there’s more to life and footy so I can totally understand whatever decision he makes.”
Welch also gave an update on injured flyer Ryan Papenhuyzen, who continues to recover from a horrific knee injury.
Papenhuyzen suffered a shattered patella during a Round 18 game against the Canberra Raiders last season, but a return date has yet to be set.
“It’s been really tough for Paps, obviously we’d love to have him out there but it’s a really nasty injury,” Welch said.
“I’ve had a few of those long-term injuries so I totally get the frustration and the mental toughness that he has to go through.
“He’s started running but I think just trying to get the strength and the symmetry between the left and right leg is the next thing.
“It’s been pretty hard for him and a bit of a struggle. He’d be the first to tell you that.
“I’m not sure when the timeline for his return but hopefully we see him back on the field sometime mid-season.”
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