EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns reveals the three secret insights Craig Bellamy brings to the table for NSW
Craig Bellamy is no stranger to the events that unfold inside a team's coaching box but in the State of Origin arena his duties differ slightly to those he performs at club level.
The veteran coach was appointed as an advisor for the Blues under head coach Laure Daley for his second tenure in charge of the state team.
Bellamy's duties with the team have not been as visible as many of his other roles, with the 65-year-old confirming his role is not excusive to game day procedures.
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While Daley ultimately will make the final call for the squad on game day, Andrew Johns believes there are three primary insights that the coach will look to Bellamy for.
"I think (he is helping with) interchange," Andrew Johns said on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour.
"When to bring players on and off, I think that is a real art (for a coach). Especially with their middle forwards and how long they leave the big boys on.
Craig Bellamy looks on during a NSW Blues State Of Origin training session. Getty
"I think ruck defence is a real highlight of (Bellamy's) coaching strategy and I think also what not to say.
"If you are a coach and you're a bit revved up and feeling the pressure a bit, you can't let that rub off on the players because the players can smell it.
"Sometimes what you don't say is more important than (what you do).
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Johns suggested Bellamy's role could be similar to that of Panthers coach Ivan Cleary during the third game of the 2023 State of Origin series.
Under pressure to avoid a clean sweep heading into the third game of the series, then Blues coach Brad Fittler looked to the premiership-winning leader for advice.
A simple invite to sit in the coaching box was all it took to convince Cleary, who according to Johns went on to assist with interchange calls throughout the match.
"I remember Freddy one year had Ivan in the box with him, and Ivan is a pretty cool character, but he helped him with the interchanges and when to do that," he said.
"It will be interesting to see how hands on (Bellamy) is.
"I think he'd be coming and going from camp. I think his (job) is more game day."
