(Via Canberra Raiders website).
Craig Bellamy was a foundation year player at the Canberra Raiders who displayed unparalleled work ethic, desire and commitment. Teammates and coaches during the formative years of the Club have recalled on numerous occasions how Craig not only gave 100% at each training session he was involved in, but also was studious in taking notes on game plans and coaching strategies.
Signed for the Club’s debut season of 1982 by Don Furner (Senior), the man affectionately known as ‘Bellyache’ played the majority of his career at the Raiders in the centres, but was also used as a utility player, covering fullback, winger, five-eighth and lock.
Injury midway through the 1987 season saw Bellamy miss the Raiders charge to their first ever Grand Final appearance which resulted in an 18-8 loss to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. Three seasons later however, Bellamy came off the bench in Canberra's 18-14 win over Penrith in the 1990 Grand Final at the Sydney Football Stadium after captaining the Reserve Grade team in this competition’s decider on the same day.
Craig is a two-time winner of the Raiders Clubman of the Year award, 1986 and 1990.
Bellamy spent 1991 with Turvey Park in Wagga Wagga as captain/coach in the Group 9 Competition, and had a stint playing in England for Swinton, before returning to Canberra for one last season in 1992.
Whilst in Canberra Bellamy played under coaches Don Furner (1982–87), Wayne Bennett (1987), and Tim Sheens (1988–92), mentors that obviously left an indelible mark as he has gone on post playing career to become one of the greatest coaches of all-time.
Craig coached the Raiders President’s Cup side to premiership success in 1995.
Craig's stats:
Raider #26
Player: 1982–1990, 1992
148 Appearances for Raiders: 46 Tries – 175 Points
Premiership winning Raiders player: 1990
Raiders Hall of Fame Induction: Season 2020
