Craig Bellamy to coach the Broncos?

There is a growing belief that Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy could take over the Brisbane Broncos top job as soon as 2019.

There has been a widespread of speculation that the Broncos will end Wayne Bennett’s contract prematurely, while other experts tip they will let him play out his contract but seek a replacement in 2020.

Bellamy's coaching career begun under Bennett as an assistant coach with the Broncos 20 years ago, before taking over the Storm’s head coaching role in 2003.

Fox Sports journalist Paul Kent thinks the Broncos search for a new coach is in the works and Bellamy is their number one target.

“It’s been going around the game for some weeks now, and it makes sense,” Kent told NRL 360.

“Wayne is on his way out of the Broncos, whether Wayne knows about it or approves of it — and the Broncos are looking, we already know they’ve had a dip at Paul Green and missed out there."

Bellany is one of the greatest modern-day coaches, taking the Storm to two premierships and winning a further two grand finals with them that were later revoked.

Kent had the upmost praise for Bellamy and thinks he would be an ideal fit for Brisbane.

“Craig Bellamy is a career coach, he can come in and take over the joint for the next 10 years and that’s what appeals to the Broncos.

“Most importantly what appeals to the Broncos is he can return Brisbane to that exalted place that they once held in the competition where they were the benchmark for all standards.

“Craig Bellamy now does that at Melbourne, the Broncos want that back in Brisbane.”

To add fire to the fuel, a frustrated Bennett stormed out of a weekly press conference after he was repeatedly questioned about his coaching future.

He was not willing to discuss if he will remain at the Broncos, nor who may be his successor should team move him on.

"You had Paul Green here a month ago so now we've just moved on," Bennett told reporters.

"We've got a great game here (against the Storm) on tomorrow night so let's talk about the footy and leave the rest to you guys to speculate. I certainly don't why to buy into the rubbish.

"Nothing is permanent and nothing is temporary, even for coaches. I've got a contract here next year.”

Asked about how he identified Bellamy as the guy to take over the Broncos top job “once upon a time”, Bennet’s frustrations became clear.

"I never groomed him for the job once upon a time. Guys, if you don't want to talk about the footy I'll just leave it at that," Bennett said as he walked away from the media conference.

The Storm plays the Broncos in a crucial round seven clash on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.