Craig Bellamy Diagnosed with Neurodegenerative Disorder, Will Continue Coaching Melbourne Storm

Craig Bellamy has been diagnosed with an unspecified neurodegenerative disorder but will remain as coach of Melbourne Storm in the immediate future, the club has said. The club issued a statement 24 hours out from Melbourne's NRL clash with the Dolphins in Brisbane, with the 66-year-old Bellamy recently undergoing a series of medical tests. "Over recent weeks, in consultation with specialists, Craig has undergone a series of medical tests and has since been diagnosed with a form of neurodegenerative disorder," the club said in a statement on Thursday. "He is receiving the best possible medical treatment and has been advised by specialists that his diagnosis will not have an impact on his ability to coach the team in the immediate future." In February, Bellamy signed a new contract through until the end of the 2028 season. He has coached 614 NRL games, which puts him behind only Wayne Bennett and the retired Tim Sheens. The Storm are enduring a horror season, losing six successive matches for the first time since Bellamy took over as coach in 2003. A seventh straight loss in Brisbane will equal the all-time club record. Melbourne chair Matt Tripp said he believed Bellamy was still up to coaching at NRL level. "Despite our recent results, I firmly believe Craig is still coaching at an elite level and I have no doubt he is the right person to drive the club forward," Tripp said. "Craig has the full support of the board, players, coaches and staff to continue leading the club as he has done for the last 24 seasons." Bellamy was at Storm training in Melbourne on Thursday. Melbourne have had a run of upsetting health and injury issues. Eli Katoa underwent surgery to stop a brain bleed last November after a series of head knocks and is ruled out for the entire 2026 NRL season. Fellow Storm forward Tui Kamikamica is also sidelined after suffering a stroke last month and undergoing brain and heart surgery.