Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy is often depicted as a highly intense figure, but one of his players has revealed a hidden side to the 61-year-old.
Most rugby league fans know Craig Bellamy as the hard taskmaster behind one of the greatest dynasties in the sport, but according to Melbourne Storm veteran forward Felise Kaufusi, there’s a whole different side to Bellamy we don’t know about.
Since taking over at the Storm in 2003, Bellamy has won three NRL premierships and has led the club to the finals in every season except 2010.
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Those accomplishments are nothing short of incredible, and the 61-year-old has played a starring role in turning the Storm into the juggernaut it is today.
On our televisions, we see Bellamy as the general who expects nothing less than the best from his team.
However, Kaufusi insists once a game or training is over, Bellamy becomes a totally different person.
“What you see on the TV is definitely what he’s like when it comes to footy, but off the field, he’s actually pretty chilled, believe it or not,” Kaufusi told NCA NewsWire.
“He’s got a lot of grandkids, and I think that’s definitely lightened his mood up.
“It’s actually good to see that side of him, that he’s got a loving side to himself; we only get to see the intense side of him on the footy field.”
Away from the family, Bellamy has one cheeky Storm player to thank when it comes to bringing out his hidden side.
Melbourne hooker Brandon Smith provided plenty of chuckles when a video of him putting rocks in Bellamy’s suitcase without his coach’s knowledge circulated around social media.
Luckily for Smith, he appeared to have gotten away with the deceitful act. Kaufusi believes Smith is the type who’s likely to get away with it “because that’s just what he’s like”.
However, there have been recent reports linking Smith with a move away from the Storm, as he faces a battle for the No. 9 jersey next season with young gun Harry Grant.
Kaufusi is hoping Smith won’t go anywhere anytime soon, and believes his ability both on and off the field is something the team needs.
“I’d love for him to stick around at the Storm,” Kaufusi said.
“I know there’s been a lot of speculation in the media, but just his character and what he’s like in the group, we all know what he’s like on the field.
“He’s like a bull at the gates, he goes as hard as he can. Off the field, he’s got just as much value.
“Bringing the boys together, having a laugh. That’s what I like about him the most; his energy off the field.”
Felise Kaufusi is an ambassador for Footy Colours Day, an initiative by the Fight Cancer Foundation.
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