Whenever Cameron Munster has managed to summon some magic out on the field, Craig Bellamy has pretty much always been situated front and centre.
And it was no different in the second instalment of the State of Origin series in Perth as the newly-appointed Queensland captain led his state to a shock 26-24 victory over New South Wales.
The Blues made the trip over to the west as the near unbackable favourites after a commanding victory in Game I. However, Munster clearly had other ideas as he was on hand to help repel NSW and force a decider in Sydney.
MORE: Who will back up after Origin Game II?
Craig Bellamy reflects on Cam Munster’s rise to becoming QLD captain
It was a bittersweet moment for Bellamy, who was stationed up in the box at Optus Stadium looking down on his Melbourne talisman causing the Blues all kinds of issues.
For over a decade, the coach has revelled in all the moments where Munster has lifted his side, yet the NSW advisor understandably derived no such enjoyment this time around as the No.6 lit it up on the big stage.
"To captain his state was a really proud moment for him, his family and the Storm," Bellamy reflected.
"He led them with a lot of energy and he really stuck to what he does well.
"I’m really proud of him. I’m not real happy for him but I’m real proud of him."
The match was one of Munster’s crowning achievements not only in a Maroons jersey but also throughout a storied decade-long career.
The mischievous playmaker has already gone down in folklore north of the border for his exploits during Origin in the past.
Yet with his undisputed genius out on the field, there have also been several dicey moments down in Melbourne, where headlines followed him around with uncomfortable regularity for a chunk of his career.
However, Bellamy insisted that while he had occasionally strayed off the tracks, there was always one particular trait that meant the Storm always stuck by him.
"I don’t think we were ever close to tapping him on his shoulder and telling him he was on his bike," Bellamy said. "I don’t think that was ever a consideration."
"The one thing about Cameron in his whole time here is that he’s got a genuine care for the club," the coach explained.
"I think that’s his real strong point. Obviously, he’s got a lot of strong points as a footy player too.
"But he’s got a genuine care for what’s right for the club and what he can do for it and I think that’s always stood him in really good stead."
"At times, he’s got a bit loose," Bellamy smirked.
"I think Bianca and the kids have sorted that out now though."