LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Melbourne Storm are planning to honor their legendary coach, Craig Bellamy, by commissioning a statue to celebrate his remarkable contributions to the club. Bellamy has been a significant figure at AAMI Park for 23 years and has overseen 599 games, with his total expected to reach 602 after overseeing two matches in Brisbane back in 2002.
In 2021, Melbourne unveiled statues of renowned players Cameron Smith and Billy Slater at AAMI Park. According to chief executive Justin Rodski, Bellamy merits similar recognition. "He's just had such an enormous impact on so many people. Melbourne Storm, we're 27 years young, and pretty much for the entire history Craig's been the coach," Rodski stated.
He added, "The broader sporting landscape here in Melbourne, helping the club to become a club that people know about, that people are passionate about, it's been really significant." Rodski also expressed his desire for a statue to be erected: "I'd like to see the next statue here at Melbourne Park for Craig Bellamy because I think his impact on this city, on this team and on this club has just been so enormous."
In a light-hearted response, Bellamy remarked that adding another statue could be "good for the pigeons." He also acknowledged the vital role of the players he had coached in contributing to his enduring success and longevity as a coach.