Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has chosen to keep the specifics of his health battle private, insisting the focus should remain on his team's performance rather than his personal struggles.
Bellamy addressed the media at AAMI Park ahead of Sunday's clash with the Wests Tigers, as the Storm aim to snap a record-extending seven-match losing streak.
Last week, Melbourne revealed the 66-year-old is battling an unspecified neurodegenerative disorder. When pressed for details, Bellamy remained firm.
"At the end of the day, this is private to me, and footy's what you're here for," he told reporters.
The Storm have confirmed Bellamy intends to coach for the remainder of the season, with specialists advising his diagnosis will not impact his ability to lead the team in the immediate future.
Bellamy, who began his Melbourne tenure in 2003, was asked about his plans for next season after recently signing a contract extension through to 2028.
"I don't know yet, but I'm thinking about this week," he said.
The veteran coach noted his health condition has not altered his coaching duties so far.
Bellamy revealed he has been overwhelmed by messages of support from the rugby league community and beyond since his condition became public.
"One thing that I can't believe is how many messages I've got," Bellamy said.
"I was surprised by how much support — I know a lot of people, but at the end of the day, the support's been unbelievable in that area.
"I really apologise, I haven't got back to any, I think. I've been pretty busy with the footy, but everyone who has sent me a message ... I really appreciate it, and hopefully I'll get back to you soon."
Bellamy was at the helm during the club's salary cap breach scandal in 2010, when Melbourne were stripped of two premierships and unable to compete for competition points that season.
With Eli Katoa and Tui Kamikamica both sidelined after brain surgery, the off-season departure of key players, his own diagnosis, and the losing streak have made this one of the toughest years to handle.
"It has been," he said.
"We lost Paps (Ryan Papenhuyzen) and Nelson (Asofa-Solomona) before the season started, and then we've lost Eli and Tui, and it's knocked our forward stocks, but it is what it is.
"We've just got to get on with what we've got and work out what the best plan is and make sure everyone applies themselves to that training and hopefully in the game."
The Storm have not lost to the Wests Tigers in eight matches and have not been beaten at home by them since 2018.
However, with only two wins this season, Bellamy acknowledged his team must avoid another second-half fade-out to prevent another loss.
"It's obviously a bit of a switch-off of their concentration ... it's been pretty consistent, so we've had a few ideas to try and solve it, but it hasn't worked out like that yet.
"Hopefully we go a bit better this week and then go from there.
"Certainly you're aware after you lose a few games that your confidence is likely to fall, and we've tried to keep it positive within themselves as individuals, but also as a team."
