Melbourne has issued a statement regarding Craig Bellamy and CEO Brian Waldron fiery post-match outburst after the Storm's preliminary final win over the Sharks, but have stopped short of apologising for questioning the judiciary's integrity.
Waldron and coach Bellamy have been threatened with legal action following the comments they made about skipper Cameron Smith's suspension for a grapple tackle, that judiciary panel members Darryl Williams, Darren Britt and Royce Ayliffe believed defamed them.
The Storm, while apologising for any hurt or distress caused by the comments from Bellamy and Waldron, have again reiterated they did not intend to question the integrity of the NRL's judicial process.
“At the post match press conference on Friday 26 September I made some comments which have been widely reported as criticising the NRL judiciary," said Bellamy.
"On Saturday 27 September I did state to the media that “at no stage did I intend to question the integrity of the judiciary”. I want to emphasise that statement again today.
"I repeat at no stage did I intend to question the integrity or reputation of the members of the judiciary.
"I acknowledge that the judiciary members made their decision honestly, based on what they saw as the merits of the case. I apologise for any hurt or distress my comments may have caused.”
Waldron followed a similar line with his written response.
“Like Craig, it was never my intention, or the club’s intention, to question the integrity of the judiciary members.
"Neither the club nor I intended to cause hurt or distress to any judiciary member. I acknowledge that their decision concerning Cameron Smith was made honestly, based on what they saw as the merits of the case.
"I also apologise for any hurt or distress these comments may have caused. The Melbourne Storm is passionate about the game of rugby league.
"We wish to emphasise that it was never the club’s intention to hurt or damage our game, or anyone associated with it. We regret any such perception, if that has occurred.”
It is unclear at this stage whether the statement will avert the legal action planned by the judiciary panel.