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Craig Bellamy says that as a coach you have to live by your values.
NRL supercoach Craig Bellamy has given Ian Foster some helpful advice to stick to what he believes in with the All Blacks.
Bellamy is in Auckland for Melbourne Storm’s game against the Warriors on Friday night and when the media asked him at the team’s hotel on Thursday what advice he would give the beleaguered All Blacks coach, he said it would be for him to trust in what he believes works for the team.
“To stick to what he believes in and what he knows will work for the All Blacks, you just have to keep working hard at that,” Bellamy said.
“There is no panacea, as we have known for the past month.
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“For me, it’s making sure what our values and beliefs are, sticking to them and making sure you don’t get lost in something that won’t be that important or won’t help.”
The All Blacks have lost four of their last five tests, while Bellamy is also dealing with a loss of form at the Storm, having been beaten on the bounce in four games.
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But Bellamy knows how to fight back after adversity. That is why he has been coach of the Storm since 2003 and is regarded as one of the best coaches ever in the rugby league.
While Foster has had successful moments throughout his coaching career, he is now under more pressure than ever and Bellamy has explained how he handles such moments.
“Sometimes I ask that question myself and wish someone could answer it for me,” Bellamy joked.
“For me, it’s sticking to what your values and beliefs are. Ultimately, that got us where we are, as individuals and as a team, and we don’t want to throw them out.
“Sometimes you may think a little too much, sometimes you may not think enough, but you hold on to your values and what is important to you as an individual and to us as a club.”
Although an icon in the 13-man code, Bellamy knows rugby and has developed a great relationship with Scott Robertson and the Crusaders, with both clubs and coaches regularly exchanging ideas.
“Occasionally Razor (Robertson) comes to us, or his coaches and other times we meet them here (New Zealand),” said Bellamy.
“It’s a relationship that we’ve had for a long time and it’s nice to see other clubs doing what they’re doing on match day and preparing for match day.
“You always pick up something and when their guys have been with us we always ask them what they saw, what they liked and what they didn’t.
“To be honest, we have a good relationship with them personally and that’s an important part of it. But both sides also pick up a little bit that can help the teams.
“So hopefully we can keep that relationship going and I’m sure we will.”