'I was gone': The Munster chat that sparked Bellamy's shock ...

The Melbourne Storm have confirmed legendary coach Craig Bellamy will go around again next season.

The 63-year-old admitted he was “gone” eight weeks ago but will now remain at the helm for a 22nd season.

Bellamy has been in charge at the club for 532 games since 2003 and boasts a winning record of 69 per cent.

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“It took me a little while to make a decision to be honest. Six or eight weeks ago I was pretty certain I would be packing things up,” Bellamy said of his decision.

“I spoke to a few people I know who have retired from different jobs and they spoke about the connection they have with people they see at work every day and that sometimes you miss that.

“Munster also came to me a couple of weeks ago and he said the players and leaders were keen for me to stay and thought I still had something to give the group.

“I still enjoy turning up and mixing with the group and staff. Early in your career, it can be a little bit about yourself but now it’s about our group improving as individuals, and if we improve as individuals we will improve as a team.

“Obviously we have a young crop and some of the guys we bought in have taken a while to adapt to our club, which often happens. But I am excited about how much improvement we have in us as a footy team and being consistent as a footy team.”

Bellamy also touched on salary cap scandal that rocked the club in 2010.

“I’ll never forget when we went through salary cap issues, and the week leading into the first game I didn’t think anyone would turn up given what had happened that week,” he said.

“I think we had 30,000 people there and that proved to me that they are really loyal to this footy team, and I’d like to think we are loyal to them as well.”

Bellamy told the Sydney Morning Herald he did “a 180-degree turnaround” on his initial decision to retire.

“Eight weeks ago I was gone. Finished. But I’ve been speaking to a lot of blokes about retiring and I came to realise you are a long time retired,” he said.

The Storm squad were also reportedly informed of his decision when they arrived to training on Monday morning.

Melbourne’s football manager Frank Ponissi said he was “absolutely delighted” the duo would continue into their 16th season at the Storm.

“Last November, while we were in Glasgow visiting Ange Postecoglou at Celtic, Craig told me in confidence 2023 would be his last season,” Ponissi said.

“He was adamant. Whilst I fully respected his decision, I couldn’t understand it because he was coaching as well and as effectively as he ever has while I have been with him.

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“It’s tremendous for the club that he has changed his mind.”

Chairman Matt Tripp also was excited for fans of the club.

“His passion and desire to do the job hasn’t wavered and he is now bringing through an exciting young team here at Storm,” Tripp said.

“Last week’s game showed Craig is up for whatever challenge is ahead and he’s clearly enjoying leading this new wave of players.”

Bellamy’s current contract, which expires at the end of 2026, allows him to inform the club by Round 1 whether he will continue for another season or move into a coaching director role.