Bellamy deal top priority

MELBOURNE Storm has declared re-signing premiership coach Craig Bellamy its No.1 priority.

It is believed the Storm will begin contract talks with the Bellamy’s management company in coming weeks.

Bellamy, 58, is out of contract at the end of the season, and would be the hottest coach in the open market in 2019, along with North Queensland premiership mentor Paul Green. But the Storm is keen to avoid any protracted talks.

Bellamy was linked to the embattled Gold Coast Titans last season.

Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy said: “Craig is our No.1 priority, he’s the best coach in the game, he’s got a great support system around him here and we want him to continue to lead the team and our football department into the future.”