Stephen Kearney returns to combat Storm - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Stephen Kearney returns to combat Storm

By Guy Hand 07/04/2011 05:53:47 PM Comments (0)

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy is wary of the insider turned enemy ahead of Sunday's NRL clash with Parramatta.

Bellamy's long-time assistant Stephen Kearney is now coaching the Eels.

He comes to AAMI Park with a better idea than most on what to expect from the Storm, having plotted and strategised alongside Bellamy for several seasons as well as playing for the club with distinction.

But Bellamy says it will be business as usual, and won't be tempted to do the opposite of what the Eels might expect because Kearney is there.

"I'd imagine he'd be a bit wiser on what we're going to do this week than people that haven't been at our club," Bellamy admitted.

"But if you start worrying about that and you try doing things that aren't going to suit the team, that's not going to help anyone.

"We'll just stick to what we think will work this week and go from there."

Having started his head coaching career after several seasons learning under doyen Wayne Bennett in Brisbane, Bellamy could be on his way to becoming recognised as a coach of coaches.

Former assistant Michael Maguire coached Wigan to the English Super League title in 2010, and has been linked with a move to South Sydney for next season, while Kearney has already had success as New Zealand Test coach.

Bellamy said the Eels had changed some structures under Kearney and believes his protege had the makings of a successful coach - though he hoped that could be put on hold this weekend.

"He was a wonderful player while he was at this club, and he was a wonderful coach while he was here as well," Bellamy said.

"I suppose I am proud of him but I haven't really given that too much thought this week.

"Steve's going to get the team doing the things he thinks are going to work for that team."

"I see some things there they're doing at the moment that we do - there are some similarities."

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