Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy reveals why he’s ’embarrassed’ about his new tell-all documentary – and how he was humbled by Ange Postecoglou

Craig Bellamy’s astonishing coaching record in the NRL commands instant respect – but the long-term Melbourne Storm mentor has revealed why he was mortified by some elements of the new documentary he stars in, Inside the Storm. 

Bellamy, 65, provides a detailed and fascinating insight into what makes him tick – and how he was left humbled by Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou. 

Inside the Storm is set to be released by Stan Sport on March 3 – and ahead of the documentary, Bellamy sat down with Daily Mail Australia over a Zoom interview to discuss his thoughts on the revealing piece.

Vision commenced during the Storm’s arduous pre-season training ahead of the 2024 NRL campaign, and it was quickly evident Bellamy sets standards for his players which are non-negotiable.

And while they went onto win the minor premiership, Bellamy and his playing group were left lamenting what might have been after losing last year’s Grand Final to Penrith. 

His coaching philosophy is simple – ‘the harder you work, the luckier you get’ – and the undoubted proof has been Bellamy’s outstanding results.

Bellamy replaced Mark Murray as Melbourne’s head coach in 2003, and more than two decades later still remains in the hot seat.

At the Storm, culture is key, with Bellamy – who cut his teeth as an assistant at the Broncos under Wayne Bennett – always looking for ways to evolve. 

NRL premierships have followed in 2012, 2017 and 2020 – but Bellamy always wants more. 

‘Hopefully it isn’t too boring,’ a modest Bellamy stated when asked his thoughts on the documentary.

‘Initially, I thought it was about the club.…so that was a possible misinterpretation at my end. I soon discovered I was the centre of attention, so that was a little embarrassing.’

Bellamy – who wears his heart on his sleeve – is famed for his animated persona in the coaches box on game day.

He rides every play, and his passion is admirable.

After learning over 900 hours of vision was collated for the documentary, Bellamy was in disbelief – and also expressed regret at his antics when mic’d up. 

‘I definitely forgot I had the microphone on at times,’ he said.

‘I wish I could take back some things I said to the coaching staff about the players, but I guess it was heat of the moment stuff.’  

Bellamy goes onto discuss how he was ‘humbled’ to hear from Postecoglou and Collingwood coach Craig McRae in his documentary, with the trio all at some stage based at the same Melbourne sporting precinct dating back to 2012.

Veteran footy journalist Roy Masters, rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns and Storm legend Cooper Cronk also explained why they believe Bellamy keeps producing year after year. 

‘I picked up a lot from Ange when he was at Melbourne Victory…mainly how honest he is with players and how well he delivers his messages,’ Bellamy said.

‘He was always direct, but respectful…..to see him kick on at Spurs [in the Premier League] has been great.

‘Both Ange and Craig are very good coaches and even better people.’

Bellamy also admitted when the Melbourne Storm endured their infamous NRL salary cap breach saga in 2010, he feared for his future.

The fallout saw titles from 2007 and 2009 stripped, and the club’s reputation was in tatters. 

Knowing expert leadership was crucial, the man widely known as ‘Bellyache’ quickly developed a siege mentality, telling the shattered playing group ‘we won’t surrender.’

‘It was definitely the toughest situation I’ve been in across my [coaching] career,’ Bellamy said. ‘Playing for no points each week was very tough.’

‘To win a minor premiership in 2011 and then a Grand Final in 2012 [against the Bulldogs] was remarkable in my eyes.’

The Stan Original Documentary Revealed: Craig Bellamy – Inside the Storm premieres Sunday March 9, only on Stan.