Storm great Cooper Cronk says his old club already know who they’ll replace Craig Bellamy with

NRL great Cooper Cronk believes the Melbourne Storm has already identified Craig Bellamy’s successor, as uncertainty over his future continues.

Melbourne legend and current Queensland coach Billy Slater and Sydney Roosters assistant Jason Ryles are reportedly the favorites to replace Bellamy on the hotseat.

And while Cronk admitted to being in the dark about the replacement’s identity, he’s adamant that the Storm have already made their decision.

“I assume they already know who that person is,” he said News Corp.

‘They are very good. They are not a club that will sit and wait for Craig to say he is in or out.

Bellamy has yet to decide whether to coach the Storm next season

They’ve done their homework, they’ve done their due diligence, they know who their person is.

“They’re just giving Craig enough time to make that decision.”

Cronk spent 14 of his 16 NRL seasons under Bellamy at the Storm and revealed that he has spent the past three years trying to convince his former mentor to step down, but to no avail.

“I’ve been saying for the past three years that he should retire,” said the four-time premiership winner.

‘He never listened to me. Everyone has their little solution and Craig’s solution is to help young men achieve their dreams and help the Melbourne Storm achieve ultimate success.

“He deserves the chance to lie on a lounger with the Coolangatta sun on his face and read a book.”

The veteran coach spent time with his extended family in Queensland during the team’s farewell weekend and was expected to appeal to his future as a coach on his return.

Before his mini-break, Storm chairman Matt Tripp said he felt a decision was “imminent,” and Bellamy realized that time is of the essence if they are to find a suitable replacement.

Bellamy (pictured with Cameron Smith after the 2017 grand final) won five premierships with Melbourne, but the 2007 and 2009 titles were subsequently stripped for salary cap violations

Cronk (left) played 14 of his 16 seasons in the NRL in Melbourne under Bellamy (right)

Melbourne legend and current Queensland coach Billy Slater (left) and Sydney Roosters assistant Jason Ryles (right) are reportedly the favorites to replace Bellamy on the hotseat

The 63-year-old signed a five-year contract in 2021 but included a clause allowing him to take on the role of coaching director when he felt the time was right.

Melbourne boss Justin Rodski said the Storm were still unsure whether Bellamy would lead the club for a 22nd NRL season.

“We’ve given him all the time he needs to make his decision and we don’t know yet which way he’s going,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“Obviously it’s a very big decision for him and his family and hopefully we’ll get an answer from him in the coming weeks.

“We hope he stays on in the senior coaching role, but if he doesn’t, it’s nice to know he’s still there and involved with the club.

“Maybe around this time next week.”

Bellamy has spoken of retirement for the past 10 years but has been unable to distance himself from the club he has sent to three premierships.

Rodski said they were not frustrated with the process as they had been through it so many times before.

“We’re used to it we do it every year but we also do some background planning for what the future looks like and what succession looks like and Craig has been involved in that planning so from our perspective we’ll give him as long as he needs,” he added.

Cameron Munster revealed that he has been trying to get Bellamy to commit for another year

Playmaker Cameron Munster said he tried to persuade Bellamy to commit for another year, but the coach didn’t say which way he leaned.

“I’ve tried to force little things here and there, saying he still has it, but it’s up to him,” Munster told AAP.

“He’s been in the game for so long and he knows what it takes to be an NRL coach and if he feels like he can’t give the game anymore or if he feels like he’s missing someone’s development hinders, he will not stay. in someone’s way.

“But the squad still believes in him and is still passionate about having him as a coach and still respects him at the club, so I don’t see why he shouldn’t re-sign.”