Bellamy to quit as Blues coach
By Dean Ritchie
October 21, 2008
New South Wales coach Craig Bellamy hinted further on Monday that he was ready to quit as Blues coach for the 2009 State of Origin series.
Bellamy admitted this year's series was stressful and that Queensland's non-NRL coach policy was the "way to go".
It is understood Manly's Des Hasler would be favourite to replace Bellamy, should he stand down, but Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens, St Helens' Daniel Anderson, former NSW assistant Laurie Daley and ex-Blues coach Graham Murray would be other options discussed.
Well-placed sources say Melbourne's 40-0 grand final loss will further push Bellamy away from the NSW job in 2009.
Asked if he was keen to return to end Queensland's domination, Bellamy said: "I don't take that too much into consideration.
"It's whether I can do the job as well as I can and also do as good a job as I can with Melbourne.
"That's more the issue. That's what I need to think out.
"I think I did that last series and it took a little bit out of me after the series. It took me a little while to get some sleep and to rest up.
"It's a tough job. Queensland have got a pretty good formula there with Mal (Meninga, coach) not having an NRL job.
"He's obviously a wonderful coach given what he's done there."
Bellamy returns from an American holiday next week to discuss the issue with NSWRL chief executive Geoff Carr.
By Dean Ritchie
October 21, 2008
New South Wales coach Craig Bellamy hinted further on Monday that he was ready to quit as Blues coach for the 2009 State of Origin series.
Bellamy admitted this year's series was stressful and that Queensland's non-NRL coach policy was the "way to go".
It is understood Manly's Des Hasler would be favourite to replace Bellamy, should he stand down, but Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens, St Helens' Daniel Anderson, former NSW assistant Laurie Daley and ex-Blues coach Graham Murray would be other options discussed.
Well-placed sources say Melbourne's 40-0 grand final loss will further push Bellamy away from the NSW job in 2009.
Asked if he was keen to return to end Queensland's domination, Bellamy said: "I don't take that too much into consideration.
"It's whether I can do the job as well as I can and also do as good a job as I can with Melbourne.
"That's more the issue. That's what I need to think out.
"I think I did that last series and it took a little bit out of me after the series. It took me a little while to get some sleep and to rest up.
"It's a tough job. Queensland have got a pretty good formula there with Mal (Meninga, coach) not having an NRL job.
"He's obviously a wonderful coach given what he's done there."
Bellamy returns from an American holiday next week to discuss the issue with NSWRL chief executive Geoff Carr.
