'Extremely excited': Craig Bellamy takes surprise role on NSW Blues coaching team

Craig Bellamy will return to the State of Origin fold next year, taking up a role as an advisor with the NSW Blues.

The legendary coach spent time in charge of the Blues in the late-2000s, but has since kept his sole focus on his week-to-week commitments with the Melbourne Storm.

However, at the announcement of head coach Laurie Daley for next year's series, it was also revealed Bellamy was back in the mix and will work closely with the staff.

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"I've had a great relationship with Craig over a number of years," Daley said.

"We keep in touch and I was looking for some guidance and looking for someone, that if I ever got an opportunity again, to help me.

"I think he was the best person to do that and Craig will help the coaches and also be a part of the group. I'm pretty excited to have him involved and I think the players will be extremely excited to work with Craig.

"He is passionate about NSW and he wants to be a part of it, which is exciting for us. No doubt with him being there with us, we can all learn a lot."

Daley and Bellamy played together at the Raiders and have remained friends over the years. The appointment marks Bellamy's first involvement at Origin level since 2008.

His name was suggested as a potential replacement for Michael Maguire in the top job for NSW, but he shut that down during the finals series.

Brett White and Matt King will both remain on the coaching staff, while Storm general manager Frank Ponissi will also stay involved with the Origin squad.

NSWRL also announced the decision to sign Roosters premiership winner John Strange to take over the vacant Sky Blues role following Kylie Hilder's recent departure.