Bellamy unsure about Slater’s plans as call looms
Storm coach Craig Bellamy says he hasn’t had a conversation with Billy Slater about potentially replacing him after declaring he’ll “definitely” make a decision about his future next week.
Bellamy, 63, is locked in at the club until 2027 with an option each year until then in his favour, allowing him to move out of the head coaching role and into another role at the club.
His decision whether he goes on or not as coach in 2024
could have ramifications beyond the Storm with former playing and coaching pupil Jason Ryles, a prospective replacement, talking to St George Illawarra.
Having previously lauded club legend and current Queensland State of Origin coach Slater as well-equipped to take over as well, Bellamy said conversations with his former star during Magic Round in Brisbane were not about the job.
But while on Wednesday he suggested Slater could “scratch his coaching itch” with the Maroons, Bellamy said more would be known next week with a decision on his future to be confirmed.
“Things have happened that have made it a little bit more complicated, but I‘m pretty sure early next week I’ll be making a decision,” he said ahead of Thursday night’s showdown with the Broncos in Melbourne. “I’m sick of thinking about it. I need to make a decision myself.”
Slater, who played 319 matches with Storm and entrenched himself as one of the game’s greatest players, has been superb in his first coaching gig also, leading Queensland to Origin glory in 2022.
But Bellamy said he’s “not quite sure” where Slater, who still works part-time as an assistant with Storm, stands on being a full-time club coach.
“I’m not quite sure we’re Billy stands as far as being a head coach. I’m sure he’d do a great job without a doubt but he’s got a few other things going on his life,” Bellamy said.
Bellamy said Ryles was ready to take on the Dragons’ role. “I’m sure he’ll do a good job,” he said.