Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has been diagnosed with an unspecified neurodegenerative disorder, the club announced on Thursday. The 66-year-old, who has led the NRL side since 2003, underwent a series of medical tests in recent weeks before receiving the diagnosis.
The club stated that Bellamy is receiving the best possible medical treatment and that specialists have advised his condition will not affect his ability to coach in the immediate future. Neurodegenerative disorders include conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Bellamy signed a contract extension in February that ties him to the club until the end of the 2028 season. He has coached 614 NRL games, boasting a win rate of nearly 70%, and is only behind Wayne Bennett and Tim Sheens on the all-time coaching list.
The announcement comes amid a difficult period for the Storm, who have lost six consecutive matches for the first time under Bellamy. They sit second-last on the NRL ladder with only two wins this season. A seventh straight loss would equal the club's all-time record set in 2002.
Melbourne chair Matt Tripp expressed full support for Bellamy, stating, 'Despite our recent results, I firmly believe Craig is still coaching at an elite level and I have no doubt he is the right person to drive the club forward.' Captain Harry Grant also defended his coach, saying, 'No one works harder than Craig.'
