EXCLUSIVE: Unpacking the Storm’s Notorious Wrestling Tactics with Insights from Bellamy, Johns, and Cronk

For the past twenty years, Craig Bellamy’s Melbourne Storm have left opponents fuming with their dominance at the ruck.

“The ruck essentially defines the game,” says rugby league legend Andrew Johns.

“If you can defend the ruck effectively and slow down the play-the-ball, then chances are you’ll come away with the win.”

The Storm’s notorious focus on wrestling techniques is examined in Revealed – Craig Bellamy: Inside the Storm.

This Stan Original series, premiering on Sunday, features the celebrated coach discussing the significance of wrestling in a documentary that draws from 913 hours of filming.

“We certainly faced criticism about it for some time,” reflects Bellamy.

“But ultimately, if we’ve done something wrong and deserve to be penalised, then fair enough. If we haven’t, then we shouldn’t be penalised.”

Club legend Cooper Cronk described the intensive wrestling drills as a “game changer” and a key factor behind the club’s ongoing success.

“Until then, everything revolved around tackling technique and how to effectively bring down an opponent,” Cronk explained.

“Craig introduced a shift towards not just tackling, but exerting control during tackles on the ground, which we now refer to as wrestling. Nowadays, every other team is emulating what Craig Bellamy pioneered two decades ago.”

Johns openly admits he is not particularly fond of this tactic, but holds great respect for one of Australian sports’ most driven and successful coaches.

“I’m not a fan of the wrestling aspect that has entered the game, but he’s undeniably an innovator,” Johns states.

“A true marker of a great coach is when the game is forced to adapt the rules because of their influence.

“The game has been altered numerous times due to the way they incorporate wrestling.”

Documented throughout the 2024 NRL season, the film invites fans into the inner workings of the Storm, exposing facets of Bellamy’s character.

“It has been a privilege to share my journey with Stan,” Bellamy remarked.

“While this was a fresh experience for me, I look forward to fans seeing a different side of not only myself but the Melbourne Storm club as well.

“I am also keen to not have ‘Doc,’ the cameraman, trailing my steps as we enter another NRL season in 2025!”