LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has caused quite a stir with his recent comments following the team's clinching of the NRL's minor premiership.
The Storm secured the top spot on the ladder after a hard-fought victory over the Dolphins in the penultimate rounds of the 2024 season.
In a move that has left some fans and pundits feeling as though they've been hit by a tackle from a charging prop forward, Bellamy revealed his plans to give some key players a well-deserved break in the lead-up to the NRL finals.
"We'll definitely be taking the opportunity to rest a few players this week," Bellamy said in a post-match interview.
"And we might even give them a bit of a breather in the last game against the Broncos, but for sure, this week is all about recharging the batteries."
The veteran journalist who first reported Bellamy's intentions is said to be seeing red, with many questioning whether the coach's decision to prioritize player rest over maintaining momentum heading into the finals is the right call.
But as any Rugby League fan knows, sometimes you have to make tough decisions when it comes to managing player fatigue and injury risks.
As the Storm gear up for their final regular season matches, all eyes will be on Bellamy and his squad to see how they handle the delicate balance between rest and readiness as they prepare for a shot at Rugby League glory in the upcoming finals series.