The Brisbane Broncos are reportedly attempting to lure away Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy.
The Broncos have had a disastrous 2020 campaign which saw coach Anthony Siebold depart the role mid-season.
Cooper Cronk believes that Bellamy is on his way to Brisbane with a move already in the works.
The Daily Telegraph reported Bellamy is expected to join the Broncos in 2022 after his Storm deal expires.
Bellamy admitted that while he is in talks with three clubs, while no decision has been made on his future.
โI responded the other day that Iโm not making any decision and I ainโt going to be talking about it until after the finals but I can tell you right here right now I havenโt agreed to nothing anywhere,โ Bellamy said after the Stormโs 30-22 loss to the Dragons.
But Cronk believes he doesnโt want to discuss his future until after the finals series, in a bid to prevent his decision affecting the Storm's charge for a premiership.
The Storm champion says that the lure of coaching the Broncos when they're in such a predicament may be too tempting a challenge for the champion coach.
โI believe Craig, Iโve seen him speak like that.. heโs telling the truth,โ Cronk told Fox Leagueโs Big League Wrap.
โThereโs no doubt heโs had conversations with the Broncos about what 2022 looks like but heโs protecting his group, heโs going to try and chase a premiership this year and then heโll make the decision.โ
Kevin Walters is expected to coach the Broncos in 2021, however if Bellamy was to sign on it would mean Walters would need to find a new role at the club or leave.
Cronk believes that will be no issue for the duo with them having worked together in the past in a coach/coaching director capacity.
โThere are some examples that have turned toxic because you get some egos that want the limelight and donโt really do a team-orientated role but these guys have got a relationship thatโs lasted for almost 30 years,โ Cronk added.
โCraigโs approach to these things, he wont sit over the top of Kevvie heโll sit in then there in support and give Kevvie all the guidance if itโs going to happen in 2022.
โBut this is Kevvie Waltersโ chance, heโs been hanging around wanting this opportunity. This is the best job in his career and heโs got his opportunity.โ
