Craig Bellamy has re-signed with the Melbourne Storm on a three-year contract extension.
The four-time premiership coach officially signed his new deal on Saturday, revealing the news to the playing group prior their 10-28 win over the Knights on Sunday.
Bellamy said remaining loyal to the playing group and the club that gave him his first opportunity were major factors in his decision.
"I'm very happy to be remaining at Melbourne Storm. There were a number of factors to weigh up and I'm glad now to have my future decided," he told melbournestorm.com.au.
"It would've been pretty hard to leave the players, I'm very close to the group here and that was one of the reasons I decided to stay. It would've been very hard to coach against guys like Cameron, Billy and Hoffy who were all here when I started in 2003.
"Melbourne Storm was the first Club to give me the opportunity to coach at first grade level, so I certainly owed the Club something in that respect and I'm looking forward to the next three years."
Storm CEO Dave Donaghy was thrilled with Bellamy's decision to remain in Melbourne.
"Craig has proven himself as the best coach in the NRL, he's been a pivotal part of our success," he told melbournestorm.com.au.
"I'm personally delighted Craig has once again recommitted himself to Storm.
"He and Wendy have made Melbourne home and I'm sure the entire city will be as equally delighted by this news.
"Storm is a special Club, with wonderful people and an environment that allows our staff and players to constantly challenge themselves and grow in their roles – Craig has been a key driver of that.
"In speaking to Craig throughout this process, it's clear his enthusiasm for coaching, especially our next generation of talent, shows no sign of slowing down. There is still much to achieve at Storm for him."
Bellamy will remain with the Storm until the end of 2021, tying him there for at least 19 seasons.
He took over Melbourne's top job in 2003 and has coached them to 403 games with a winning percentage of 67.9 percent, which ranks second all-time.
The legendary coach has led the the club to six minor premierships, seven grand finals and and four titles.
Comments are closed.