Storm coach Craig Bellamy says he hasn’t had a conversation with Billy Slater about potentially replacing him after declaring he’ll “definitely” make a decision about his future next week.
Bellamy, 63, is locked in at the club until 2027 with an option each year until then in his favour, allowing him to move out of the head coaching role and into another role at the club.
Whether he goes on or not as coach in 2024 could have ramifications beyond the Storm, with former playing and coaching pupil Jason Ryles, a prospective replacement, talking to St George Illawarra.
Having previously lauded club legend and Queensland State of Origin coach Slater as well-equipped to take over as well, Bellamy said conversations with his former star during Magic Round in Brisbane were not about the job.
But while on Wednesday he suggested Slater could “scratch his coaching itch” with the Maroons, Bellamy said more would be known next week, with a decision on his future to be confirmed.
“Things that have happened that have made it a little bit more complicated, but I‘m pretty sure early next week I’ll be making a decision,” he said ahead of Thursday night’s showdown with the Broncos in Melbourne.
“I’m sick of thinking about it. I need to make a decision myself.”
Slater, who played 319 matches with the Storm and entrenched himself as one of the game’s greatest-ever players, has been quality in his first coaching gig also, leading Queensland to Origin glory in 2022.
But Bellamy said he was “not quite sure” where Slater, who still works part-time as an assistant with the Storm, stood on being a full-time club coach.
“I‘m not quite sure where Billy stands as far as being a head coach,” Bellamy said.
“I’m sure he’d do a great job without a doubt, but he’s got a few other things going on his life.
“His horses are really important to him and breeding horses and running horses, then with his commentary, as well, you know, he enjoys that.
“With all due respect, if he just got a bit of an itch to coach, well, he’s probably scratching that with Oigin, you know, so I’d say I’m not sure.
“I certainly wasn’t talking to him about that. I haven’t spoke to him. That’s a thing between him and the club if it comes to that..”
Bellamy said Ryles was ready to take on the Dragons role.
“I‘m sure he’ll do a good job. You know, he’s been around the game for a long time at the highest level,” he said.
“He played at the highest level. He did a great job with us while he was here. If he gets that opportunity I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”
