Arguably the game’s greatest ever coach isn’t going anywhere with the Melbourne Storm officially announcing that Craig Bellamy will stay on at the Victorian club until the end of 2026.

The defending premiers currently sit first on the table heading into round 20 are are favourites to go back-to-back.

“There have been a lot of moving parts on and off the footy field, but it’s good to have finality on the decision,” Bellamy said.

“I will be the head coach next year and then I will sit down with the club at the end of each year and talk about what role I might play. At some time during this period, I will take on a different role in coaching and in the commercial area.

“This is my 19th year and there have been some wonderful times over that period. Having the comfort in the surroundings and knowing how the club works certainly helped in making my decision.

“We are obviously feeling for our fans in Melbourne who love their footy and love coming to watch us play which they haven’t been able to do for the last two years. Hopefully, we can get back home in the back part of the year.”

Bellamy began his coaching tenure in 2003.