WHY BELLAMY IS THE PERFECT MAN TO OVERSEE CHANGING OF THE STORM GUARD
Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski is thrilled at coach Craig Bellamy’s decision to remain at the helm until 2024 given the massive amount of change at the club in recent seasons.
Several experts predicted the Storm to be among the biggest sliders at the start of the season following the departure of key personnel including the Bromwich brothers (Jesse and Kenny) and Felise Kaufusi to the Dolphins and hooker Brandon Smith who left to join the Sydney Roosters.
Rodski said the Storm have the nucleus of another potential dynasty with emerging young talent who will thrive under Bellamy for another 12 months.
“(Bellamy) has changed a little bit because he has been around a long time,” Rodski said on SEN 1170 Mornings.
“He’s enjoying connecting with the players and these new crop of players coming through.
“We have this new leadership team in Christian Welch, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes.
“That’s our leadership core now and we lost a lot of experience last year so there has been a real changing of the guard.
“Bellamy’s still got that passion and the players love playing for him. Not wanting to let the coach down is something powerful in sports.
“We are just rapt that he has made the decision he has made (and) it’s great for the game to have one of the greatest coaches of all-time continuing on.”
Rodski also touched on Papenhuyzen’s recovery from a shattered patella that he suffered in Round 18 last season.
Rodski admitted that progress had been frustratingly slow and there was still no return date in sight for the 2020 Clive Churchill medallist.
“Unfortunately, (Papenhyuzen) is not at the level that we would’ve liked,” Rodski added.
“He has been meticulous in his approach with his recovery and he is doing everything he can. “It’s one of those frustrating injuries and every time he steps up his intensity, it flares up. “Progress is being made but it’s just slow (and) no one is more frustrated than him.
“There’s no time frame yet on his return.”
The Storm travel to Suncorp Stadium to take on the Dolphins on Saturday night.