Bellamy named new Blues Origin coach

Premiership-winning Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has been named NSW coach for next year's State of Origin series.

The NSW Rugby League today confirmed Bellamy, a strong favourite for the position, would succeed Cowboys coach Graham Murray, who stepped down from the job after a second successive series loss this year.

Bellamy already has considerable experience in representative coaching from his role as assistant Kangaroos coach since 2004 and Country Origin coach for the past three seasons.

"I'm honoured to be given this opportunity,' Bellamy said today.

"Every player aspires to compete at this level and it's the same for coaches.

"Queensland have won the last two series and are going to be very hard to beat again.