Craig Bellamy is expected to confirm this week whether he'll return for a 24th consecutive season as Melbourne Storm head coach in 2026, and the intrigue surrounding the club icon's long-term plans is intensifying.
Despite turning 65, Bellamy keeps adding to his workload joining the NSW Blues Origin staff as a coaching advisor, which signals he still has the energy and hunger at the highest level.
The speculation was ignited by ABC journalist Zane Bojack on the InZane Rugby League podcast.
Bojack cliams Bellamy will sign a one-year Storm extension through 2026, then look north to the Gold Coast where his daughter, grandchildren and two investment units await, rather than stepping upstairs into a consultancy role.
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"I don't want to get Titans fans too excited," Bojack said.
"The word is the club has already sounded him out, and Bellamy still wants to coach—like Wayne Bennett, not consult," the journalist said.
The Titans current coach Des Hasler is contracted beyond 2025, but Bojack questioned whether the club might restructure if Bellamy truly becomes available.
In 2020 before the Storm legend retired, the Titans took a swing at signing Cameron Smith, showing they aren't afraid of bold plays.
For Melbourne, locking in Bellamy for 2026 would preserve stability, and for the Titans fans, the prospect of a proven premiership mastermind in 2027 offers hope of a long-awaited turnaround.
Either way, Bellamy's decision this week could set off coaching dominoes that reshape the league for years to come.