Eels great Nathan Hindmarsh admits Craig Bellamy's diagnosis 'scared him' about his own future
Nathan Hindmarsh has admitted that Craig Bellamy's recent health diagnosis "scared him" for the first time in his career, prompting the former Parramatta Eels captain to reflect heavily on his own future.
The Melbourne Storm coach was recently diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder, the club announced on Thursday.
The news has drawn widespread support from across the rugby league world for the 66-year-old.
READ MORE: Sad truth behind Dolphins star's triumphant NRL return
READ MORE: The billion-dollar implosion of Saudi sports washing empire
READ MORE: Bec was in a 'dark place'. Her 'last resort' changed her life
Speaking on Triple M, Hindmarsh was candid about the deep impact Bellamy's diagnosis had on him as a fellow rugby league retiree.
The 46-year-old revealed he had not deeply considered his future or "what was down the track" prior to hearing about the diagnosis.
"It's scary, isn't it? When the news broke the other day, I was straight away (thinking) 'he's a former rugby league player' ... and all those sorts of things," said Hindmarsh.
Nathan Hindmarsh played under Bellamy for the NSW Blues side. AAP
"I thought, he's '66, he's fit, he trains with the boys, he's up before them all, and he's in the gym and he's amongst it.'
"He's staying mentally there. So that, it scared me a little bit, in regards to what could be down the track."
Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Hindmarsh, who has been a vocal advocate for concussion protocols since his retirement in 2012, admitted that Bellamy's legendary status in the NRL world made the news even more shocking to process.
Hindmarsh played under Bellamy for the NSW Blues during the 2008, 2009 and 2010 State of Origin series.
"I'm not saying that's definitely what it is (CTE) or anything like that, but I've never been concerned about that sort of stuff until this broke with Craig," he explained.
"I thought, is it just part of the game or what?
"But to be fit at 66... I think the fact that because of who it is and what he's done in the game and where he is in regards to just being always there.
Craig Bellamy has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder. Getty
"You know, I was coached by Craig during Origin. I've obviously - playing amongst the teams he's played against, all that sort of stuff.
"So you know him, but you always see Craig as being someone who is top of the tree.
"Bigger than the game. Again, going back to being fit and staying with it and all that sort of stuff, it is a bit scary."
