Craig Bellamy's massive Andrew Johns reveal after call on future

Craig Bellamy has revealed how Andrew Johns convinced him to continue coaching for at least one more season at the Melbourne Storm.

The Storm announced on Wednesday that Bellamy will remain at the helm for an incredible 21st season in 2023.

Speaking after the announcement, the supercoach revealed how a conversation with Johns convinced him to stick around.

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Bellamy said Johns called him a few weeks ago while he was still deciding whether to remain as coach or move to a part-time director of coaching role with the NRL club.

"It took a while to get there and there were a few things that stalled the decision," Bellamy said.

"I turned a bit of a corner when I had a chat to Joey Johns - Andrew rang me a couple of weeks ago and made a couple of points and it seemed to make a bit of sense to me and that swung me the way I decided to go."

Bellamy didn't elaborate on the conversation but said he appreciated the input from Johns.

"I will leave that between me and Joey but I appreciate him ringing me up and that was the main thing that turned me," he said.

The 63-year-old is contracted to the Storm until the end of 2026 and hasn't ruled out coaching beyond the 2023 season.

However he said he also wanted to spend more time with his four grandchildren.

"There's a couple of things I want to do before I get too old," he said.

"We will see what happens in this 12 months and go from there."

Since taking over as coach of the Storm in 2003, Bellamy has taken the team to nine grand finals, winning five (although two were stripped for salary cap cheating).

Storm CEO Justin Rodski said the club was delighted that Bellamy is staying.

"There's no doubt that Craig is still at the top of the tree when it comes to rugby league coaching," Rodski said.

"He is continuing to produce outstanding results week after week, season after season with the support of a very dedicated coaching and high performance team."

Wayne Bennett reacts to Craig Bellamy decision

Former mentor Wayne Bennett welcomed Bellamy's decision as he prepares to coach against him for newcomers the Dolphins next season.

"I'm pleased. If he's still enjoying it and that's what he wants to do, why would you retire?" Bennett said.

"You don't get less knowledge as we get older. Enthusiasm and the passion for what you do has to remain, but you learn something every year."

Bellamy's decision is a relief for Melbourne given they are set to lose a number of veteran players.

Skipper Jesse Bromwich, brother Kenny and fellow representative forward Felise Kaufusi are all leaving for the Dolphins at the end of the year, while Brandon Smith is heading to the Sydney Roosters.

Bellamy's one-year contract could potentially impact the future of superstar playmaker Cameron Munster, who is off contract at the end of 2023.

Hotly pursued by at least six clubs, Munster is expected to make a decision in coming weeks.

"I've spoken to him a couple of times and obviously made the point of how keen the club is to keep him long term," Bellamy said of Munster.

"He's got his decision to make ... we don't want any of those players leaving but the decision they make is the best for them and their family."

with AAP

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