Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has publicly expressed his support for his close friend and Melbourne Storm mentor Craig Bellamy, following the revelation that Bellamy has been diagnosed with an unspecified neurological degenerative condition. The 66-year-old Bellamy will remain in his role as Storm coach for the foreseeable future, as the club announced on Thursday night that the diagnosis came after a series of medical tests.
Melbourne did not disclose further specifics about the condition, but neurodegenerative disorders encompass a range of diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Stuart and Bellamy share a deep bond, having played together for the Canberra Raiders in the late 1980s and early 1990s, notably featuring in the 1990 grand final victory over Penrith. Their friendship has endured over the years, with the pair most recently meeting when the Raiders defeated the Storm 26-22 on April 17.
Prior to their Round 7 clash, Stuart lauded Bellamy as the best coach of the modern era, holding him in the highest regard. When asked about his friend's health situation, Stuart revealed he had been aware of Bellamy's condition for approximately three or four weeks.
"I know he's getting very good advice and has good people around him in Melbourne," Stuart stated on Friday. "He's got a beautiful family, so it's now time for Craig to really care about Craig and put himself first."
In February, Bellamy signed a contract extension with the Storm that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 season. The veteran coach has overseen 614 NRL games, achieving a win rate of nearly 70 percent, and also played 150 matches for Canberra during his playing career.
Melbourne is currently enduring a difficult season, having lost six consecutive matches for the first time since Bellamy took over as head coach in 2003. A seventh straight defeat in Brisbane against the Dolphins on Friday night would equal the all-time club losing streak record set in 2002.
