NSW coach Michael Cheika has left the door open for Kurtley Beale to return home to Sydney – but strictly on Waratahs’ terms.
While Cheika insisted his priority was on retaining key players, including code-hopping Israel Folau, and that he had made no contact with Beale, he said the troubled Wallabies star was an obvious talent.
“There’s no doubt about the guy as a player,” Cheika said on Tuesday as Beale and his Melbourne teammate Cooper Vuna returned to Australia after being sent home from the Rebels’ South African tour following their weekend altercation in Durban.
“He’s a superbly skilled player and I can see that.
“(But) I’ve never had anything to do with him. I wouldn’t know what his interaction with a person like me would be, but that would only come if I met him one day and talked to him.
“For me, it’s a moot point at the moment because he’s not a person I’m talking to. The main guys I’m talking to are my own players that I’m re-signing.”
With Beale’s future with the Rebels and Wallabies in the balance, pending the outcome of separate disciplinary processes being conducted by the Rebels and the Australian Rugby Union, Cheika said it was too early to say if the 24-year-old backline ace would be back at the Tahs next season.
“Obviously he’s had a rough weekend so I’m not sure where that’s going to fall,” he said.
Ex-NSW and Australian teammates have made no secret of their desire to have Beale back at the Tahs.
“Players are different because they’re mates with him, they’ve hung out with him and they know him very well,” Cheika said.
Asked if Beale – who has a history of alcohol-related misdemeanours – would fit back in at the Waratahs, Cheika said: “I wouldn’t have a clue”.
“We’ve got certain values that go with our organisation that mean on-field and off-field behaviour and everyone has to apply to those values.
Vuna’s fate is expected to be decided within the next couple of days but, with the accusations against Beale more serious, his case will take considerably longer to complete.
After making a surprise appearance at Waratahs training on Tuesday, rugby league legend Brad Fittler said Beale had the talent to make a successful code switch.
“Kurtley, he is from rugby league,” Fittler said.
“He is a pretty good athlete. He’d be good. He is a good athlete in general. He would be good at most sports if he started it young enough.”
Sam
Guest
if i was waratahs coach i wouldnt be signing beale i dont care how good he is he cant handle hes drinks and thats the last thing you need when your trying to rebuild a team.In the mean time he needs some sort of suspension you do the crime you do the time i say and definately dont pick him for the lions series.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Zac Guildford was welcomed back last w-e, same with Bastareaud in france, ben Barba this w-e and many others in all sports. I think well managed KB can be an asset and be part of the culture Cheika wants for the club. We just probably need to be clearer with him in regards to on/off field behaviour that will be tolerated. Put him on probation, with set objectives etc.
Blue Blood
Guest
"Vuna’s fate is expected to be decided within the next couple of days but, with the accusations against Beale more serious, his case will take considerably longer to complete." Plus it is Beale. The ARU will be working out which carpet they can fit this under. I wager that when Beale's assault charge finally gets resolved the ARU will again take no action. Time will tell.
Cantab
Guest
Waratahs are looking to improve their culture problem, recruiting Beale is probably not going to help that
Ryderam
Guest
Getting KB back to Sydney, where there is some direction for a young man clearly out of control is undoubtedly the best thing for him on a personal level. I agree with B-Rock - "All he needs is focus and direction." Who of us, at any age, doesn't? Makes me wonder what his manager is doing to assist. It would not hurt the Waratah's to have him back too. RR
ScrumJunkie
Guest
I hate that he tweeted it, but in the sick world the rebels managment are forced to live in, we would have never heard about it otherwise. Vuna would quietly be sent home, and KB would play this weekend.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Not resigning Beale was the biggest mistake Tahs management made in terms of recruitment in the last few years. If they get a second chance, yes they should get him back. Reckon Cheika is the kind of bloke who would tell things straight at their first meeting. Easily picture him grabbing Beale by the shirt (Before he is shirtless!) if he misbehaves.
maximillian
Guest
sad but true B Rock. A player of his immense talent is often afforded a lot more leeway in regards to off field issues so he will probably get a slap on the wrist & nothing more. The Rebels are already struggling on the field as it is so cant afford to lose a player of his ability. The sad thing is, Im not convinced a minor penalty will help KB change his ways & deal with his off field issues. if he doesnt get them under control, i fear he will never fulfill his potential to become 1 of the all time greats for Australia.
peterlala
Guest
All he needs...
Ryanno
Guest
TWITTER. Good on him for defending his captain but tweating about is beyond stupid.
B-Rock
Roar Guru
KB will get another chance, the Rebels need him more than he needs the Rebels. Despite his off field issues, every Aust team would sign him in 5 seconds flat. Sure, there would be a behavioural clause in there (which he would take no notice of) which would give the team some contractual flexibility. Despite recent form he is one of the 5 most talented rugby players in Australia. All he needs is focus and direction. The impact on the morale and chemistry of the team is the bigger issue. This tends to be forgotten very quickly however - look at QC... A couple of decent games and all appears to be forgiven.
Billy Bob
Guest
Look on the bright side - now the Rebels are as popular as rugby league in Sth Africa.
mania
Guest
harsh
Mals
Guest
What did Cooper Vuna do besides back up his captain? Does being a punching bag deserve a plane trip home??
RugbyRene
Roar Rookie
As a long time Tahs season member I have one word for you Michael: "Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
The Tahs should take him back...to scrub the toilets