Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy, 66, has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder, the club confirmed on Thursday.
The veteran coach is receiving medical treatment and specialists have advised the condition will not affect his ability to coach in the immediate future. Bellamy is expected to lead the Storm against the Dolphins on Friday night.
Diagnosis and Treatment
According to a statement from the Melbourne Storm, Bellamy underwent a series of medical tests and consultations with specialists over recent weeks. The club confirmed he has been diagnosed with a form of neurodegenerative disorder, and he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Neurodegenerative disorders involve the progressive loss of nerve cell function in the brain or peripheral nervous system. Common forms include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Motor Neurone Disease (MND), and multiple sclerosis. The club has stated that no further details about the specific condition will be provided due to the private nature of the diagnosis.
Impact on Coaching Role
Specialists have advised that the diagnosis will not have an impact on Bellamy's ability to coach the team in the immediate future. Bellamy signed a contract extension in February 2026 that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 season. He is scheduled to coach the Storm on Friday night against the Dolphins at Lang Park in Brisbane.
Club and Player Response
"Craig is still coaching at an elite level and is the right person to lead the club forward."
— Melbourne Storm chairman Matt Tripp
Melbourne Storm chairman Matt Tripp expressed full support for Bellamy, stating that he believes Bellamy is still coaching at an elite level and is the right person to lead the club forward. Tripp noted that Bellamy has the full support of the board, players, coaches, and staff. Captain Harry Grant also defended Bellamy, citing his work ethic. The club has said no further comment will be made regarding the diagnosis.
Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart, a former teammate and close friend of Bellamy, confirmed he has been aware of the condition for three to four weeks. Stuart expressed support, noting that Bellamy is receiving good advice and has family support.
Coaching Career
Bellamy has been the head coach of the Melbourne Storm since 2003. He has coached over 600 NRL matches (with some sources citing 614), holding a win rate of nearly 70%. Under his leadership, the Storm have reached 11 grand finals. The team has won five premierships under Bellamy (in 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017, and 2020), though the 2007 and 2009 titles were later stripped by the NRL due to salary cap breaches. He also served as coach of the NSW State of Origin team from 2008 to 2010 and has served as an adviser to Blues coach Laurie Daley.
Prior to his coaching career, Bellamy played 150 matches for the Canberra Raiders from 1982 to 1992, including playing in the 1990 grand final.
Team Performance
The Melbourne Storm are currently on a six-match losing streak, equaling a club record and marking the worst run of form since Bellamy took over in 2003. The team has two wins from eight games in the 2026 season and is second-last on the NRL ladder entering round nine. A seventh consecutive loss would set a new club record.
Other Health Issues at the Club
The diagnosis follows other health issues within the Storm organization. Forward Tui Kamikamica recently suffered a stroke and aims to return to play in approximately six weeks. Forward Eliesa Katoa is sitting out the season due to concussions sustained while playing for Tonga in a Test match in December 2024/2025.