His current hand injury notwithstanding, hasn’t it been great to see Kurtley Beale running around this year with a smile on his face?
Sure, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for Kurtley and his Melbourne Rebels comrades this season in Super Rugby.
Beale’s dodgy shoulder will remain a bit of an issue even after repairs on his hand, but compared to this time last year – when his body shape was closer to that of a forward than a spring-heeled back – Kurtley is absolutely flying!
While he’s always been a talent, and a highly coveted one at that, Kurtley has learnt since he reached the representative level that talent will only get you so far.
The rest is down to hard work and a good support network, as no one can succeed on their own in what is a team game. A little bit of luck along the way also helps.
It was unfortunate, but probably inevitable, that ‘KB’ was built up to be the next big thing when he emerged from stardom out of the schoolboys ranks at St Joseph’s.
The Waratahs were desperately crying out for a new backline starlet – they still probably are – and that desperation did the young Kurtley no favours.
There was some good stuff in his early days, enough to convince many the kid could go on to be something special; but those off field issues (you know the ones!) just haven’t seemed to have gone away.
Touch wood for this year, so far!
Team-mates have come to learn they need to keep an eye on Kurtley off the field. To help him out, and stick close by him in social circles, especially after games.
It’s not a chore: he’s good company, so he’s a guy you want to spend time with.
It’s more just a case of keeping a collective eye on his well-being to ensure he either isn’t leading, or just as importantly, being led astray – which is something that happens to sportsmen and women far more often than the public ever finds out about.
Kurtley also needs to be encouraged.
‘KB’ responds best when backed to have a go, and play it the way he wants to, as opposed to being reined in by pre-determined tactics and game plans.
This is probably why Kurtley has really come on as a player since he was moved to fullback a couple of years back.
Playing at the back gave him a license to have a go. It has also clearly helped with his vision, in terms of how to run a game.
Having such a close up view of how the game unfolds, while being able to choose his moments to get involved, has ‘tidied up’ the organisational side of Kurtley’s game.
He’s now a real leader, both on the field, but also in pre-game discussions the media and public don’t get to see; both sussing out how we want to play, but also in terms of isolating the areas of opportunity we might have as far as exposing the other side.
You only have to look at how he controlled so totally the Wallabies’ win at Twickenham last year, playing field position superbly to shut the Poms out, to see how far he’s come.
And in such a short time.
Think back to the mid-year Bledisloe Test at Homebush, where he had a shocker.
As can sometimes be the case with Kurtley, there was a fair bit going on in his life off the field at the stage.
Being let down by a couple of key people in his life around then didn’t help either.
It was noticeable in the back half of the year that when he got away from them, Kurtley was an almost different player, and person.
He mixed more within the team, appeared to be more relaxed almost all of the time, and won over even the harshest sceptics (and there were a few).
In many ways, he symbolised the Wallaby season as a whole: a flat patch against the All Blacks, followed by a steady improvement and a good finish, with just two losses from the last nine played.
Be it team-mate, or foe, Kurtley is widely respected in the Australian game, both for his skills, but also as a bloke.
He is genuine, enthusiastic and one of the best athletes in the game when he looks after himself – which he seems to be getting better at.
That’s why it has been so good to see him running around, confidently strutting his stuff – and with a big smile on his dial – this year.
Long may it continue.
Australian (and world rugby for that matter) can only be the better for it.
grapeseed
Guest
Well isn't this all very interesting in retrospect. Hello? Hello? OK, since no one is around... *zip*
p.Tah
Guest
Pretty poignant comment in retrospect: "There was some good stuff in his early days, enough to convince many the kid could go on to be something special; but those off field issues (you know the ones!) just haven’t seemed to have gone away. Touch wood for this year, so far! Team-mates have come to learn they need to keep an eye on Kurtley off the field. To help him out, and stick close by him in social circles, especially after games. It’s not a chore: he’s good company, so he’s a guy you want to spend time with. It’s more just a case of keeping a collective eye on his well-being to ensure he either isn’t leading, or just as importantly, being led astray – which is something that happens to sportsmen and women far more often than the public ever finds out about."
Blue Blood
Guest
I find articles like this tough to read. He is a grown man and makes decisions on a daily basis that only he is accountable for. He isn't a juvenile or new to the system. We are still waiting on his last off field incident to come to a head and then it will be in the hands of the ARU to address bringing the game into disrepute and drinking while injured at the Wallabies. The court case isn't until April 17 and then we shall see what action the ARU take. My bet is another lump under the carpet they sweep most of these indiscressions under. But perhaps the new CEO will see some merit in holding players accountable http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/beale-agrees-to-meet-bouncer-20130220-2erpk.html?skin=text- Beale agrees to meet bouncer Date: February 21 2013 Marissa Calligeros WALLABIES star Kurtley Beale, who is accused of assaulting a Brisbane bouncer, has agreed to participate in justice mediation, a court was told on Wednesday. Beale's case was mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning, where his lawyer confirmed the Wallabies and Melbourne Rebels playmaker would meet with his alleged victim. It is understood previous attempts at mediation did not materialise. Beale, 24, was charged with one count of common assault after he allegedly hit a bouncer at the Victory Hotel in inner-city Brisbane on the morning before an Australia-Wales Test on June 8 last year. It is alleged the assault occurred after Beale and teammate Quade Cooper were refused entry. The Australian Rugby Union postponed a disciplinary process concerning Beale until the police matter was resolved, meaning he was available for Super Rugby games, Tests and the Wallabies spring tour of Europe. The mediation process will afford Beale the opportunity to make amends for his alleged actions, including monetary compensation. Under Queensland law, justice mediation is voluntary, confidential and free. Offences, including stealing, assault, wilful damage and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, can be referred to mediation. Beale's case has been set down for mediation on April 17.
Sarel Pretorius will attest to that. Imagine what Beale will be able to do in the cheetahs backline.
Hightackle
Guest
Why are people saying hes going back to the Tahs? Did he say something or what?
Hightackle
Guest
I wasnt aware that everyones problems or weaknesses disapear when they become "mature". Actually...come to think of it, they dont and thats quite silly.
Hightackle
Guest
"Is there a point to this other than an attempt to lure Beale back to the Tahs on the basis its all different there now?" How does that even make sense to you?
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
I hope you're right and that Kurtley's enjoyment pushes him to the levels achieved in 2010 where he flourished for the Wallabies and terrorised some bloody good teams. I have the feeling that the money and adulation thrown at guys like Kurtley, Quade and O'Connor has swelled their egos to the point they are Dangerously heading down the path Matt Giteau did when self-importance overrides the team and personal performance. I like Kurtley and think although cocky he has a pretty good attitude but before I'm a believer I need to see him perform against the Blacks and the Boks
Malo
Guest
Yeah the Rebels are on fire with Beale. It is great he has turned the rebels into a powerhouse in the S15. How does he get so many raps and articles on him for such a crap defender and positional player. He has his moments, but attack is only half the game and is he really that great at that against quality teams.
GWS
Guest
Tahs is where talent goes to die
Pollock
Guest
If your mature enough to be paid the thick end of $500k a year you should be able to look after yourself. Not fair to make it someone else's problem.
winston
Roar Rookie
The way the Cheetahs have been playing they should be getting a lot of cheers.
winston
Roar Rookie
Agreed. Though the standard doesn't seem to be too high to become an fox sports rugby commentator. Kaffe excluded.
hog
Guest
Problem is the Cheetahs aren't exactly the guaranteed 3 points they used to be, Took the Highlanders to the cleaners you'd actually call them favourites.
Bakkies
Guest
We will see next season if he does go back to the Tahs.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
For all of our sakes please do anything to keep Kurtley on the park and away from the sideline comments microphone.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
It's a shame at age 25 and being a full grown man Kurtley isn't mature enough to take responsibility for his own development. Mind you the same could be said for a number of those x-factor wallabies.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Haha very good.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Good article and confirms what I've thought. Kurtley needs people watching him in his off season, what he eats, what fitness he does etc. Fully fit and happy he is a joy to watch though.
Harry
Guest
Very good boys, especially Red Kev. They'll be a booin' again on Friday night I reckon if the Cheetahs roll them. Maybe we'll get a repeat of the famous quote from the NSWRU CEO "There is no upside in the playing group being booed by their own supporters".