- Well wishes have been provided recently
Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has thrown his support behind Craig Bellamy, after it was revealed he had been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder.
Stuart and Bellamy boast a friendship spanning multiple decades, with the pair being teammates at Canberra in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The 66-year-old has amassed an impressive record at the helm of the NRL’s only team from Melbourne, but is now enduring a serious health issue.
Stuart has since thrown his arm around Bellamy, after the news was made public.
‘I spoke to Craig about three or four weeks ago about the situation and how sad (it is),’ Stuart said.
‘But I know he’s getting very good advice (and) got good people around him,’
Ricky Stuart (pictured) has thrown his support behind Craig Bellamy in the midst of his ongoing health battle
Bellamy (pictured) has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder
The Storm coach (pictured) has been at the helm in Melbourne since 2003
‘He’s got a beautiful family, so it’s now time for Craig to really care about Craig and put himself first,’ Stuart continued.
The Melbourne Storm confirmed the news in an Instagram post, with the footy world left stunned.
‘Over recent weeks, in consultation with specialists, Craig has undergone a series of medical tests and has since been diagnosed with a form of neurodegenerative disorder,’ the Melbourne Storm said in a statement.
‘He is receiving the best possible medical treatment and has been advised by specialists that his diagnosis will not have an impact on his ability to coach the team in the immediate future.’
Fans have since offered Bellamy words of support.
‘If this doesn’t get the players up, then i fear nothing will… all the best Bellyache,’ one person wrote on X.
‘God’s blessings and prayers for mind and future Craig. Thank you,’ another wrote.
The news comes as the Melbourne side is experiencing its worst losing streak in more than a decade.
