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Wallaby veteran Kurtley Beale a potential NRL target - report
By Ian Cameron
Former Wallaby Kurtley Beale has sparked significant interest from several National Rugby League (NRL) clubs - according to reports.
Having amassed over 90 caps for the Wallabies since 2009 and participated in more than 100 Super Rugby matches, Beale's open consideration of a code switch to rugby league has caught the attention of multiple NRL teams. This development comes after Beale's acquittal on all charges related to rape and sexual touching without consent - which had sidelined him from all forms of football since last January.
News Corp reports that the Canterbury Bulldogs are among the NRL clubs engaged in discussions about potentially recruiting Beale.
The club has not dismissed the idea of adding the former Wasps and Racing 92 star to their roster, signaling a growing interest in the utility back's services. Beale's openness to a new challenge in rugby league was highlighted in a recent interview with 9News, where he expressed a lifelong admiration for the league and the possibility of transitioning to the 13-man code.
Beale's affinity for rugby league has been a constant throughout his rugby union career and he claims he often drew inspiration from league players to enhance his own game.
“It's a possibility,” Beale told 9News last week. “I've always been a big admirer of league. Growing up in Mt Druitt, Sydney west, but also there's been an admiration throughout my career.
“Always watching league over the weekends and taking little bits from different players to add to my game. There is interest there, for both codes."
With NRL clubs now deliberating on the opportunity to bring Beale's experience and versatility to their teams, the prospect of this code switch represents a fascinating potential shift in Beale's illustrious career. As negotiations and discussions continue behind the scenes, the rugby and league communities eagerly await the outcome of this unprecedented situation.
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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