Bellamy breeds success

Sharks greats unanimous in their push for club to sign NRL super coach

RESPECT. Aura. Success. Culture. Discipline. Professionalism. Humility.

These are the seven key reasons why former Cronulla stars are desperately hoping Melbourne super coach Craig Bellamy will shock rugby league by joining the Sharks from next season.

The Sharks and Bellamy have been locked in secret negotiations for six months about the mentor joining Cronulla as a coaching director.

Bellamy now has three options for 2022 – stay at Melbourne, join Cronulla or sign with Brisbane.

Ex-Sharks champions were unanimous in their push for the club to surge forward and sign Bellamy. And each outlined why and how Bellamy could transform Cronulla into an NRL powerhouse.

Matty Johns is a former Cronulla player – he played 21 games in 2002 – who is close mates with Bellamy.

“To varying degrees, every club would be interested in Craig Bellamy because of what he puts in place,” Johns said.

“Look what he has done at Melbourne – $200,000 players play like $500,000 players. He puts discipline into the joint and improves players. He would a perfect fit no matter where he went.”

Former Sharks, NSW and Australian forward Robbie Kearns, who lives in Melbourne after his stint with the Storm, said Bellamy even had the ability to succeed in AFL.

“No matter where Craig Bellamy goes, he would turn a club around pretty much overnight,” Kearns said.

“He knows the game so well, he presents very well and he has a real care for his players. Craig provides the best platform for players to reach their potential.”

Sharks legend Jason Stevens also lavished praise on Bellamy, the former NSW coach and Canberra Raiders centre.

“There is an aura around Craig Bellamy. He would be very welcome at Cronulla from an ex-player’s point of view,” Stevens said.

“There are only a few that have been in the game for so, so long with that proven track record.”