Consortium Headed By British Investor Looks To Purchase NRL's Melbourne Storm

An int'l consortium has "expressed an interest" in buying the National Rugby League Melbourne Storm from News Ltd., but under one condition -- that coach Craig Bellamy remains in charge of the premiers, according to Brad Walter of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. In "another twist to the saga over Bellamy's future," Fairfax Media has been told the consortium, which is "believed to be headed by an investor from Britain," is exploring the possibility of buying the Storm. It will not, however, "table an offer unless Bellamy re-signs." Bellamy, who has taken Melbourne to five grand finals since '06, comes off contract at the end of this season and is "understood to be considering a massive offer from St. George Illawarra." After handing control of the game to the newly formed Australian Rugby League Commission last February, News Ltd. said that it would "look to sell out of the Storm." The media company, which also owns the Brisbane Broncos, received "several approaches" (SMH, 1/23).