Craig Bellamy’s desire to win NRL games is legendary – but the Melbourne Storm coach also enjoys a laugh with his players who constantly keep the three-time premiership winning mentor on his toes.
The soon to be released Stan documentary he stars in proves Bellamy has a sense of humour when the time is right.
And he has to, with five-eighth Cameron Munster often the instigator of hilarious pranks at his expense.
Bellamy’s son Aaron admits the players ‘love winding’ his dad up – and that is ‘pretty easy to get.’
From Munster stealing a colourful polo shirt from Bellamy’s office to ‘dacking’ him at training or even flicking his coach’s ear, the banter is relentless.
Forward Eli Katoa was even more daring on one occasion, picking up Bellamy’s travel bag once the team arrived in Sydney ahead of a game.
Bellamy can be seen fuming as his bag doesn’t turn up on the carousel – only for his luggage to miraculously turn up metres from where Tongan international Katoa was standing.
After initially losing his patience, Bellamy quickly realised he was the victim of a wind up and vowed revenge, much to the amusement of his team.
Craig Bellamy’s will to win NRL games is legendary – but the Melbourne Storm coach (pictured) also enjoys a laugh with his players who keep the three-time premiership winning mentor on his toes
Craig Bellamy is pictured looking frustrated waiting for his bag at Sydney airport – he soon realised he was the victim of a Melbourne Storm team prank
It comes as the coach revealed to Daily Mail Australia why he was mortified by some elements of the new documentary titled: Craig Bellamy – Inside the Storm.
Bellamy, 65, provides a detailed and fascinating insight into what makes him tick – and how he was left humbled by Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.
The documentary will be released by Stan Sport on March 9 – and Bellamy – who is preparing for his 23rd consecutive season in charge – recently sat down over a Zoom interview to discuss his thoughts on the revealing piece.
Vision commenced during the Storm’s arduous pre-season training ahead of the 2024 NRL campaign, and it was quickly evident Bellamy sets standards for his players which are non-negotiable.
And while they went onto win the minor premiership, Bellamy and his playing group were left lamenting what might have been after losing last year’s Grand Final to Penrith.
His coaching philosophy is simple – ‘the harder you work, the luckier you get’ – and the undoubted proof has been Bellamy’s outstanding results.
Bellamy replaced Mark Murray as Melbourne’s head coach in 2003, and more than two decades later still remains in the hot seat.
At the Storm, culture is key, with Bellamy – who cut his teeth as an assistant at the Broncos under Wayne Bennett – always looking for ways to evolve.
His coaching CV is the envy of many – but the long-time Melbourne Storm mentor has revealed he was left ’embarrassed’ by elements of the new documentary Craig Bellamy: Inside the Storm
Craig Bellamy provides a detailed insight into what makes him tick in the warts and all documentary, soon available on Stan Sport
NRL premierships have followed in 2012, 2017 and 2020 – but Bellamy, who admits he is terrified of retiring, always wants more.
‘Hopefully it isn’t too boring,’ a modest Bellamy stated when asked his thoughts on the documentary.
‘Initially, I thought it was about the club, so that was a possible misinterpretation at my end. I soon discovered I was the centre of attention, so that was a little embarrassing.’
Bellamy – who wears his heart on his sleeve – is famed for his animated persona in the coaches box.
He rides every play, and his passion is admirable.
After learning over 900 hours of vision was collated for the documentary, Bellamy was in disbelief – and also expressed regret at his antics when mic’d up.
‘I definitely forgot I had the microphone on at times,’ he said.
‘I wish I could take back some things I said [to the coaching staff] about the players, but I guess it was heat of the moment stuff.’
Bellamy was humbled after Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou praised his work ethic
Ange Postecoglou was manager of Melbourne Victory in the A-League between 2012 and 2013 – and worked in the same sporting precinct as Bellamy
Collingwood head coach Craig McRae (pictured right, after winning the 2023 AFL Grand Final) is also a fan of Craig Bellamy’s ruthless mindset
Bellamy goes onto discuss how he was ‘humbled’ to hear from Postecoglou and Collingwood coach Craig McRae in his documentary, with the trio all at some stage based at the same Melbourne sporting precinct dating back to 2012.
Veteran footy journalist Roy Masters, rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns and Storm legend Cooper Cronk also explained why they believe Bellamy keeps producing year after year.
‘I picked up a lot from Ange when he was at Melbourne Victory…mainly how honest he is with players and how well he delivers his messages,’ Bellamy said.
‘He was always direct, but respectful…..to see him kick on at Spurs [in the Premier League] has been great.
‘Both Ange and Craig are very good coaches and even better people.’
Bellamy also admitted when the Melbourne Storm endured their infamous NRL salary cap breach saga in 2010, he feared for his future.
The fallout saw titles from 2007 and 2009 stripped, and the club’s reputation was in tatters.
Knowing expert leadership was crucial, the man widely known as ‘Bellyache’ quickly developed a siege mentality, telling the shattered playing group ‘we won’t surrender.’
‘It was definitely the toughest situation I’ve been in across my [coaching] career,’ Bellamy said. ‘Playing for no points each week was very tough.’
Cameron Smith of the Melbourne Storm celebrates with Craig Bellamy after winning the 2020 NRL Grand Final
‘To win a minor premiership in 2011 and then a Grand Final in 2012 [against the Bulldogs] was remarkable in my eyes.’
In terms of Bellamy’s future at the club, it is a year by year proposition.
Melbourne Storm chairman Matt Tripp said whoever eventually replaces Bellamy at AAMI Park will be like ‘batting after Sir Don Bradman’, such is his aura.
Tripp can expect a phone call in April or May from Bellamy, who has also agreed to assist NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley this year.
Bellamy was previous head coach of the Blues between 2008 and 2010.
The Stan Original Documentary Revealed: Craig Bellamy – Inside the Storm premieres on Sunday, March 9, only on Stan.
