The Storm has upped the ante in it's pursuit of securing Craig Bellamy long-term, tabling an offer to the premiership coach to rival Brisbane's multi-year deal.<\/p>\n
Bellamy promised to have his future secured within the first month of the season, with the Storm coach holding discussions with club officials ahead of his side's Thursday night away clash against Penrith.<\/p>\n
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Melbourne has pitched a long-term agreement to Bellamy which would see the mentor coach the Storm for one more season in 2022, then transition into a role of his choice on a five year deal, according to News Corp.<\/p>\n
The Broncos are prepared to sign Bellamy for up to 10 years, although Broncos officials haven't heard from Bellamy for months leading them to believe he may not be ready to leave Melbourne.<\/p>\n
The Sharks have also made an approach but it's understood they sit behind in the pecking order as the code waits for the off-contract Bellamy to make an announcement on his future following an eight-month race to sign the coach.<\/p>\n
It's understood the coach has several options to consider, one being working in a consultancy role from Queensland. Another would see him coach for another year then handover to assistant Jason Ryles, before moving onto an off-field role.<\/p>\n
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While Bellamy was keen to finish his coaching career this year, Storm general manager Frank Ponissi said he wouldn't be surprised if he went around again next year.<\/p>\n
"I've been with Craig for 14 seasons and he is coaching as well as I've ever seen him coach," Ponissi said.<\/p>\n
"I hope he continues coaching. He might go into a coaching director's role, but I'd like to see him going on as head coach next year.<\/p>\n
"Only Craig can answer that, but if he was to ask for my feedback, I would say he is coaching as well now as he ever has and that he should definitely continue coaching post-2021.<\/p>\n
"I honestly believe he can coach on as long as Wayne Bennett, but only Craig will know if he wants to go that long."<\/p>\n
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