Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy is poised to make a decision that will likely impact St George Illawarra’s own coach hunt.
The 63-year-old told reporters he will make a call early next week on whether he coaches the Storm next year, or steps down.
“I’m sick of thinking about it and I need to make a decision myself,” he said.
READ MORE: Fan dobs in ‘pretty poor’ Dragons act after loss
READ MORE: ‘Never in my life’: Tennis star fumes at ‘disappointing’ act
READ MORE: Rugby raid goes nuclear with star, coach in sight
“There’s been a couple of things that have happened that have made it a little bit more complicated.
Bellamy took the reins in 2003, and has steered the Victorian club to five grand final wins, although two premierships were later stripped for salary cap cheating.
He is now contracted to Melbourne on a year-by-year basis and the club has essentially left it up to him to decide when he finishes up.
His former assistant, Jason Ryles, looms as the most likely successor to take the crown once Bellamy does walk away.
But the Storm aren’t the only team eyeing Ryles off.
St George Illawarra is said to be ultra keen on the former Dragons prop taking over from Anthony Griffin.
Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now
Ryles is contracted as an assistant coach at the Roosters for next year, but will likely be allowed to leave if he can land a head coaching role at another club.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Ryles met with Dragons heavies on Monday to discuss the job.
If Bellamy does decide to continue in 2024, Melbourne risks losing Ryles to the Dragons.
On the other hand, if Bellamy announces he’s ready to step down at the end of this season, it opens the door for Ryles to apply for that role and brush the Red V, who have struggled for success since Wayne Bennett led them to the 2010 premiership.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
The Mole: ‘Enigmatic’ $1.25m superstar’s ‘electric’ game in stunning Magic Round win
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
