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Melbourne Storm Coach Craig Bellamy Diagnosed with Neurodegenerative Disorder; Continues in Role

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Bellamy Diagnosed with Neurodegenerative Disorder, Vows to Continue Coaching

"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."
– Storm chairman Matt Tripp

Diagnosis and Medical Update

Melbourne Storm head coach Craig Bellamy, 66, has been diagnosed with a form of neurodegenerative disorder. The club announced the diagnosis on April 30, 2026, following a series of medical tests conducted in consultation with specialists.

The club confirmed that Bellamy "has undergone a series of medical tests and has since been diagnosed with a form of neurodegenerative disorder," adding that he is "receiving the best possible medical treatment."

Neurodegenerative disorders involve the progressive loss of nerve cell function. According to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), serious forms of these disorders include Alzheimer's disease, Motor Neurone Disease, and Parkinson's disease. The club did not specify the exact form of Bellamy's diagnosis.

Bellamy spoke to the media for the first time since the diagnosis was announced, thanking the rugby league community for its support. He declined to provide further health details, citing the matter as private, and stated that media sessions should focus on football-related topics.

Club and Coaching Career

Bellamy has been the head coach of the Melbourne Storm since 2003. He signed a contract extension in February 2026 that will keep him with the club through the 2028 season.

Storm chairman Matt Tripp expressed full support for Bellamy, stating: "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 added that Bellamy has "the full support of the board, players, coaches, and staff."

Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart, a former teammate and friend of Bellamy, confirmed he has been aware of the diagnosis for three to four weeks. Stuart stated that Bellamy is receiving good advice and has family support.

Team Performance and Recent Challenges

The Storm are currently on a seven-game losing streak, marking the worst run of form since Bellamy took over in 2003. A seventh consecutive loss would tie the club record set in 2002. The team sits second-last on the NRL ladder with two wins from eight games as they enter round nine.

Off-field challenges within the organization include:

  • Tui Kamikamica – The forward is recovering from a stroke suffered this month and aims to return to play in approximately six weeks.
  • Eliesa Katoa – The forward is sitting out the season following concussions sustained while playing for Tonga in December 2024.
  • Xavier Coates – The winger is injured.
  • The departures of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

Bellamy has not confirmed whether he will continue coaching beyond the current season, stating he is focused on the upcoming game. The Storm are scheduled to host the Wests Tigers on Sunday.