If the Eels Had Their Way, Bellamy Would Be Returning to AAMI Park as Their Head Coach
Craig Bellamy has been the backbone of the Melbourne Storm for over two decades, building one of the NRL’s most dominant dynasties. But if things had gone Parramatta’s way, Bellamy would be heading back to AAMI Park this week in blue and gold, preparing to lead the Eels against his former club.
Parramatta has long admired Bellamy’s coaching genius, and in recent years, they’ve made multiple attempts to lure him away from Melbourne. With his coaching contract at the Storm nearing its end, the Eels saw an opportunity to secure one of the game’s greatest minds to replace Brad Arthur. The club reportedly held discussions with Bellamy’s management, hoping his leadership could finally deliver their first premiership since 1986.
However, as has been the case many times before, Bellamy remained loyal to Melbourne. Despite constant speculation about retirement, he continues to lead the Storm, ensuring they remain a premiership contender every season. His decision left the Eels searching elsewhere, ultimately appointing Trent Barrett as their interim coach while they look for a long-term solution.
Had Bellamy taken the offer, the narrative this week would be entirely different. Instead of facing a Storm side he built, he’d be leading a Parramatta squad desperate for consistency and success. His tactical brilliance and ability to develop players could have been exactly what the Eels needed to break their premiership drought.
Instead, as Parramatta travels to AAMI Park, they’ll once again face the challenge of trying to overcome Bellamy’s Storm—a task that has proven difficult for almost every club in the NRL. And for Eels fans, the thought of “what could have been” will linger a little longer.
