"Lot to consider": Should Slater become Bellamy's coaching succesor?

Following a rare down season for the Melbourne Storm, Matty Johns and Denan Kemp have contemplated whether now is the right time for someone to take over from Craig Bellamy as coach.

For the first time since 2010, the Victorian side is on track to finish in the bottom half of the ladder, having dealt with plenty of bad luck resulting in several losing streaks.

And despite being contracted through to the end of 2028, there have been doubts about whether Bellamy coaches out the deal after being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder.

As a result, plenty of names in former assistant coaches under Bellamy and former Storm players have been rumoured as potential candidates to be his successor.

But none have been connected to the role as much as Queensland coach and two-time premiership winner with Melbourne, Billy Slater.

Slater has been heavily connected to be his successor, with former teammate Sandor Earl expressing confidence on SEN that the legendary fullback would be Bellamy’s successor when he eventually decides to leave his post.

The Maroons coach is no stranger to the Storm following his playing career, having worked as a coaching consultant with the club whilst also serving his role as Queensland coach for the last five years.

And with Slater’s contract with the QRL formally concluding following this year’s State of Origin series (on the basis that he would operate on a handshake agreement in future years) alongside those concerns with Bellamy’s health going forward, Kemp believes now is the time for the former Storm player to take over should he want to.

Kemp: “I just feel like the Bellyache thing, I know he's said he was gonna retire at times, but I just feel like the time is set up for Billy to take over.”

“Obviously we'll wait and see…”

 Johns:  “As far as (with the) Melbourne Storm?”

 Kemp: “Yes.”

But as Johns notes, the pressure to fill the shoes left by Bellamy after 24 seasons and Melbourne missing finals for the first time in 16 years would be enormous.

Especially considering the expectation of success that Bellamy has created in his tenure.

“I've gotta say the Melbourne Storm are entering their toughest period in the history of that club,” Johns added on SEN’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns.

“If he takes over from Bellyache, you're dealing with expectation. People in Melbourne just expect we're just gonna roll on (with success).

“There's a lot to consider for Billy.”

The Storm are travelling west next Saturday to host the Manly Sea Eagles at HBF Park.

Kick-off takes place at 3pm AEST.