Bellamy to coach Country, Murray
to coach City

Fresh from his stint as assistant coach to Wayne Bennett in the Tri-Nations series, Melbourne Storm leader Craig Bellamy is now the coach of the Country Representative side.

With the 2005 season ready to kick start in just over a month (the Storm v Newcastle 13th March at Olympic Park), this is another exciting step for Bellamy.

?I knew there was something brewing when I was overseas?, Bellamy said.

?Now, it?s official I?m looking forward to working with elite players again, it?s definitely a step up the ladder for me and being raised in the country as a kid, it?s a great honour?.

While Bellamy will control Country for the first time, Cowboy Graham Murray has been reappointed for his fifth term as City coach with the match to be played in Lismore on 6th May.

?The clash is important with players out to impress for Origin selection and the tradition means a lot to the fans, both City and Country people embrace it,? Bellamy said.

Bellamy replaces Ricky Stuart who has already been appointed coach of the NSW Blues for the Origin series.

Also up for review, the ARL will meet in a fortnight to confirm both the coach and the International schedule for the coming year.

For more information contact The Storm Media Department at media@melbournestorm.com.au