‘Line crossed:’ Storm complain to NRL, Fox Sports over Bellamy bashing
The Melbourne Storm have sent official complaints to the NRL and Fox Sports about the comments made by journalists working for the broadcaster that were directed at coach Craig Bellamy last week.
The Storm also sent a letter to club members on Saturday night, defending the integrity of the premiership-winning coach after criticism from several News Corp publications over the past week.
Craig Bellamy and the Melbourne Storm have taken offence to comments made by News Corp journalists.Credit:Getty
The Storm, and in particularly Bellamy, took offence to comments made by NRL 360 host Paul Kent, who said the Storm implemented wrestling tactics "designed to maim and injure players".
“All right let me just say this, Grapple tackle, chicken wing, rolling pin, hip drop, crusher, crocodile rolls, cannon balls, ankle twists,” Kent said on NRL 360.
“The only constant in Melbourne since 2005 when all those tackles have been brought in and later banned in the game is the head coach Craig Bellamy. So I think the less advice we take from Craig Bellamy about the welfare of players the better.
“And you can go to town on that because you know what? They are the ones that are doing it. The game is now producing rules to counter what Melbourne are trying to introduce. I’ve got no stock in it.”
Melbourne Storm chief executive Justin Rodski emailed NRL and Fox Sports executives on Saturday, before making their position clear to club members. The Storm said it will not take legal action.
"This week, our coach of the last 19 years was, in our view, unfairly criticised by particular commentators," Rodski said.
"As a club, we appreciate the media has a job to do each week reporting on our great game and our broadcasters are critical to growing our game and giving our fans the chance to watch their team play week in, week out.
“A large majority of journalists and reporters play fair too. But, on this occasion, we believe the line was crossed and have taken the matter up with the NRL and Fox Sports. It’s only fair we do so.
"Craig Bellamy is a person of the highest character and integrity, he is a legend of the game, and he deserves to be respected and celebrated for the contribution he has made to the Melbourne Storm and the NRL.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy has come under fire the past week over the club’s wrestling tactics.Credit:Getty Images
"But most importantly, he is loved by his players, his coaching group, his staff and by the broader Melbourne Storm community, including our members. Let’s make sure we get behind our coach and our team next Friday and show the rest of the competition what the Melbourne Storm is made of."
Both Fox Sports and the NRL declined to comment on the matter, however it's likely the Storm's complaints will fall on deaf ears. The NRL hasn't previously interfered with how the pay television network covers the game, nor does it intend to start now. There's a belief the Storm have gone public with their views in a show of solidarity as they await a decision from Bellamy about his future.
Who dobbed in Ricky?
The NRL ground manager was the one who lodged a complaint about Ricky Stuart's choice of language at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.
The NRL football committee will meet on Monday morning to discuss the issue, however Stuart denies abusing referee Henry Perenara. There were no complaints lodged by the referees.
Tigers eye Naden
The Wests Tigers have reached out to the Penrith Panthers about the possibility of acquiring Brent Naden's services this season.
Naden still has one more week to run on his four-week team-imposed ban after testing positive to cocaine following last year's grand final, however his road back to the NRL remains unclear at the high-flying Panthers.
Brent Naden will be free to return to the NRL from round four, however he may not be rushed straight back into first grade.Credit:Getty Images
It's understood Paul Momirovski will hang on to the centre position when Naden's sanction comes to an end after round four, leaving the $200,000 outside back facing the prospect of a lengthy stint in reserve grade.
The Panthers also have Tyrone May, Robert Jennings and Matt Burton as potential centre options. However, the injury to fullback Dylan Edwards may force a backline reshuffle that opens the door for Naden to play NRL in the coming weeks.
Naden is off contract at the end of the year and the Tigers are willing to offer him another season on top of his current deal. At this stage the Panthers are reluctant to let him go.
Michael Maguire has a spot up for grabs in the centres after dropping the out-of-form Joseph Leilua following a disappointing first two rounds. Naden would also provide cover at wing and fullback.
Brown’s perfect timing
The Parramatta Eels and Nathan Brown are back at the negotiation table after the club pulled its offer early last week.
Brown couldn't have picked a better time to produce a man-of-the-match performance against the Sharks, just 24 hours after the club met with his management.
Expect an offer to be put back on the table this week. Speculation about a swap deal with Manly's Marty Taupau is off the mark.
Johnson has tongues wagging
The rumour mill was in overdrive last week after off-contract Sharks playmaker Shaun Johnson was recently spotted in Townsville.
Shaun Johnson is expected to return from an achilles injury between round eight and 10.Credit:Getty
While the Cowboys are likely to have a look at Johnson for next year, especially with fears Michael Morgan may be forced into retirement with a shoulder injury, you can be assured nothing has happened yet. Johnson was just visiting a family member who lives up north.
The Cowboys are keeping a close eye on the situation between Luke Brooks and the Wests Tigers. Todd Payten coached Brooks in the juniors at the Tigers and remains in contact with him.
Friend’s specialist holdup
Jake Friend's decision on his playing future has been put slightly on hold. The Sydney Roosters captain was meant to see a brain specialist last week, however the doctor suffered a heart attack.
Titmuss family seeking answers
The family of Manly player Keith Titmuss, who died after collapsing at training last November, have written to the NSW Coroner’s Office in the hope of getting answers.
The Titmuss family have been waiting four months to find out why their son suddenly collapsed after training and why his heart gave way when rushed to hospital by paramedics.
Keith’s dad Paul, sister Zara, mother Lafo, brother Jesse and nephew Hudson looking at family photo albums as they remember the life of their loved one.Credit:James Brickwood/Sydney Morning Herald
The coroner’s office informed the family that it would take 12 months before they get the closure they so desperately seek as they come to terms with life without their son.
Stability coming for international footy
The International Rugby League will make a significant announcement this week. It appears the mid-season Test match period will become a thing of the past, with the end-of-season international window to be extended by another week. The IRL are also in the final stages of building a 10 year schedule which will finally bring some stability and structure to the international game.
Locke in the window
A number of clubs have been asked if they are interested in former Warriors star Kevin Locke, who scored two tries in his first game back in Australia last week playing for Souths-Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup.
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