LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Melbourne Storm head coach Craig Bellamy has come to the defense of fill-in halfback Tyran Wishart after a tough loss to the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Wishart, who was filling in for the injured Jahrome Hughes, struggled to make an impact as the Storm only managed to score one try during the game.
Despite this, Bellamy praised Wishart for his efforts, acknowledging the challenging circumstances he was placed in.
Bellamy acknowledged the difficulties Wishart faced in stepping into the halfback role, stating, "It's a tough situation for Wish to come in as a halfback into a team where he hasn't played a whole heap at half." While Wishart had some errors during the game, Bellamy still believed he did a solid job overall.
Wishart, a utility player who had been crucial for the Storm in various roles in the past, had his first start of the 2025 campaign against the Dragons.
He was tasked with filling in for Hughes, who had broken his hand the week before.
Despite the expectations that Wishart would seamlessly slot into the team, he struggled to make an impact in the game.
According to reports by zerotackle.com, Wishart had been a versatile player for the Storm in the previous season, earning the nickname "Mr.
Fix It" for his ability to adapt to different positions.
However, his performance as a halfback against the Dragons fell short of expectations.
Bellamy's comments reflect his understanding of the challenges Wishart faced in stepping into a new role under pressure.
While Wishart may have struggled during the game, Bellamy's support for his player suggests a belief in his potential to improve and contribute to the team in future games.
Despite the loss and Wishart's performance, Bellamy's comments serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting players through challenging circumstances.