Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has fronted the media for the first time since his diagnosis with a form of neurodegenerative disorder, remaining guarded about details of his health condition.
The Storm revealed Bellamy’s diagnoses last month, declaring it would “not have an impact on his ability to coach the team in the immediate future”.
Speaking to reporters in Melbourne on Saturday, the 66-year-old thanked the rugby league community for supporting him during his “private” health battle.
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“That’s the one thing that I can’t believe, how many messages I’ve got,” Bellamy said.
“I’d probably say that I really apologise, I haven’t got back to any, I don’t think, I’ve been pretty busy with the footy.
“But everyone that has sent me a message, I don’t know how many there’s, but I really appreciate it and hopefully I’ll get back to you soon … I know a lot of people, I feel whatever I suppose, but at the end of the day, the support’s been unbelievable in that area.”
Pressed on whether he could provide an update on his health, Bellamy responded: “No, we’re here about footy.
“At the end of the day, this is private to me. Footy’s what you’re here to talk about.”
Bellamy, who recently signed a contract extension through to the end of 2028, also declined to speculate on whether he would continue in the role next year.
“I don’t know, I’m thinking about this week,” he replied.
The Storm are currently in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, with the club also dealing with several off-field issues, including but not limited to exits from Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Xavier Coates’ injury and Tui Kamikamica’s stroke.
“We just have to get on with what we have got, work out what the best blend is, and make sure everyone applies himself to that,” Bellamy said.
“At the end of the day, we’ve always had the mentality about footy (that it) is family first, footy second, and then your other interests a fair way behind that.”
The Storm will next host Wests Tigers at Melbourne’s AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.
Originally published as Storm coach Craig Bellamy speaks about diagnosis for the first time as he addresses future
