Hands off: Storm tell Broncos

BRISBANE’S hopes of poaching Craig Bellamy to replace Anthony Seibold have been crushed after Melbourne chairman Matt Tripp declared not even $20 million would entice the Storm to release their super coach.

News Corp can reveal the Broncos’ dream of luring Bellamy to Red Hill ll for the 2021 season on is dead and d the Storm are intent on ensuring the NRL’s best st coach never works for another club.

The Broncos pursued Bellamy in 2018 as they plotted a succession plan for Wayne Bennett, only to miss out on his signature as he committed to Melbourne.

Broncos chairman Karl Morris confirmed he was ready to speak to Bellamy (pictured) about a potential return to Brisbane following the axing of Seibold on Wednesday.

Bellamy, 60, is contracted to the Storm until the end of the 2021 NRL season and Tripp said there was no chance Melbourne would let him go.

“Absolutely not, if the Broncos came to me and said ‘here is a cheque for $20 million to release him from his contract early’ I’d tell them to go look elsewhere,” Tripp said.

“That’s how strongly I feel. For the Melbourne Storm this is not about money, it’s about sustaining success and that happens by having the right people in the right roles. That starts with Craig.

“If they think cash is going to buy him out of a contract they should think again. They can do their best and knock themselves out, but as far as I’m concerned he will be coaching the Melbourne Storm until at least the end of 2021.”