BELLAMY HAPPY TO HAVE YEAR OFF
CRAIG Bellamy has revealed he would consider taking a 12-month sabbatical in a sign the Storm coach hadn’t ruled out a big-money return to Brisbane.
Broncos chief executive Paul White yesterday made it clear Wayne Bennett would coach the club next season – meaning Bellamy would not be able to take up any contract at Brisbane until 2020.
The timing was seen as one stumbling block to the prospect of Bellamy leaving Melbourne but the offcontract Storm coach says he is prepared to take time off after 16 years in the NRL furnace.
Melbourne chief executive Dave Donaghy revealed yesterday the Storm would not consider a oneyear extension for Bellamy, who had discussed a $5.6 million deal with the Broncos.
“I don’t think the Storm is going to sign me up for one year,’’ Bellamy said.
‘‘If I do move on it will be at the end of this year. I’ve never had a year off.
‘‘The Storm offer has been there but I haven’t had time to give it much thought.”
Donaghy said the club would not impose a deadline on the 58-year-old, who flew to Townsville last night for Saturday’s clash with the Cowboys.