Some of the most telling public criticism Craig Bellamy has uttered in his 500-plus game career helped lift Melbourne out of an early-season tailspin, and was more than matched behind closed doors.
The Storm take on high-flying South Sydney in the best Magic Round contest this Saturday, having turned the corner with a gritty 18-10 defeat of the Rabbitohs a month ago built on desperate last-ditch defence.
Kangaroos and Maroons hooker Harry Grant stole the show with a late try-saving tackle on Izack Thompson that evening, which came with Bellamy’s public and private “motivational” challenge ringing in his ears.
Considering the hallmark of any Bellamy-coached side has always been effort and commitment, his stinging post-game assessment that the Storm’s “care factor that seems very, very low” after consecutive losses to Canterbury and the Gold Coast had the likes of Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk struggling to recall heavier critiques from the champion coach.
An admission after the Bulldogs defeat that he didn’t know how to fix Melbourne’s handling and defensive issues also seemed out of character for the 64-year-old.
Aside from being bashed into submission by Manly, Melbourne’s wins over the Rabbitohs, Roosters and Warriors since Bellamy took aim have impressed plenty, setting up a 3 v 4 return bout against Souths in Brisbane.
Cameron Munster (left) and Harry Grant launch Melbourne’s return to Marvel Stadium in July.Credit: Storm Digital
“He was definitely very … motivated through that period,” Grant laughed on Tuesday, choosing his words carefully when asked about Bellamy’s public and private frustrations.
“For him to believe that’s where the care factor was at, and question us, that’s for us to say ‘we’re turning this around’.
“If Bellsa sets that challenge and gives you a spray, you know it’s coming from a good place. He puts so much time into his work, you don’t want to let him down. He set that challenge well, and I think the playing group took a lot of responsibility in fine-tuning our roles and our efforts.
“We needed that attitude adjustment and defence is always a good show of how committed you are. We’re going to be better again this week because Souths are a different footy side again, they’re humming along really nicely.”
Bellamy and Storm chairman Matt Tripp met after Melbourne’s Anzac Day win over the Warriors to discuss a range of club matters, though there’s still no definitive call on the most pressing – whether he coaches on next season or moves into a coaching director role.
The Storm’s bye last week allowed Bellamy to return to Queensland and continue to weigh up his future with his extended family, with the club hopeful a decision is now imminent.
CEO Justin Rodski said on Tuesday there was no timeline being pushed for Bellamy to make a call as the club announced that two marquee games against Parramatta and Penrith in July will be held at Marvel Stadium given AAMI Park is unavailable due to the women’s World Cup.
“I reckon Bellsa will look at his bank account, first things first, then decide,” Grant joked.
“The thing with Bellsa is if he’s in, he’s all-in. He’s not going to do anything half-heartedly, so that’s probably the biggest decision he has to make – he puts so much time and effort into our team.
“I’d love him to stay on because I think he’s still got so much to give our group, but it’s up to him what’s best for his family.”
Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
