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Another morning and another headline story about Kurtley Beale, and once again it’s for all the wrong reasons.
Beale was stood down by the Melbourne Rebels for the second time in a month for breaching the conditions of his return to the team.
It is believed that after last week’s loss to the Chiefs, Beale went out with a couple of team mates and drank alcohol at the Melbourne Storm game on Saturday, breaking the conditions of his return from his prior suspension.
Then it is alleged that he missed a psychiatrist appointment.
While Beale had not misbehaved as was stressed by the Melbourne Rebels staff, he drank alcohol which he was not permitted to do.
What makes this situation most disappointing is that Kurtley Beale was very impressive off the bench last week, scoring a try and looking dangerous with every possession he had.
Even more disappointingly, it was against quality opposition.
He looked fitter then he had previously and it is likely he would have been selected for the Wallabies in their upcoming Test series against the Lions if he kept that sort of form up.
The easiest thing to say here is that the ARU needs to terminate his contract, and while in most cases that would be the right thing to do, it isn’t in this circumstance.
Beale needs help. It’s quite obvious that he has a problem and he needs to wake up to what he is doing before it is too late.
An appropriate option would be for Beale to relocate back to the Waratahs. Not only is this home for Kurtley, but there are strong leaders at the Waratahs that could help guide him.
The advantage of having his family close will help his situation too, as it is well known Beale has a close relationship with his family.
Last year Beale admitted to being homesick, and despite his best efforts he hasn’t been able to fully adjust to the lifestyle of Melbourne.
Damian Hill said it was disappointing for Beale.
“You can’t shy away from the fact that he is one of the best footballers in the country,” Hill said.
Hill also said that Beale had felt remorse for his actions and how they had affected the team.
“It’s just unfortunate that the behavioural side is interfering with that at the moment.”
Now with one of the country’s most talented player’s footballing career hanging in the balance, the ARU and the Melbourne Rebels both need to make the right decisions in dealing with this situation.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.