Controversial playmaker Kurtley Beale is viewing his surprise Wallabies recall as a chance to win back respect.
Beale has spent the past three weeks training in Sydney in the hope of a call-up to the European tour after escaping having his Australian Rugby Union contract torn up in the wake of the text message scandal.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika phoned Beale on Thursday to inform him he would join the side from next week and said the utility was looking forward to a shot at redemption.
“I don’t think he was expecting to come, put it that way,” Cheika said in Paris ahead of Saturday’s Test against France.
“But by the fact I didn’t send him off on holidays, he knew he was still a chance.
“I think he was excited and he obviously going to try and redeem himself on the playing field as well.
“Get respect back on the playing field because he’s obviously very disappointed, as he should be, with what transpired so now’s an opportunity to redeem himself.”
Beale is expected to depart Sydney on Saturday and could begin training with the Australian squad as soon as Monday, making him eligible for selection for next week’s Test against Ireland in Dublin.
The coach admits Beale’s recall will divide opinion among the public but insists it will not serve as a distraction among the tour squad.
Asked whether Beale deserved to be judged by his actions from now on, Cheika maintained he didn’t want to get involved in politics.
“I’m not going to tell people how to think,” Cheika said.
“It’s obviously a matter that’s not black and white and what I should be doing is not even be involved in that and just say ‘who’s available.
“Anyone who’s fit and ready to play should be considered for selection.”
Beale last played for Australia in late September under former coach Ewen McKenzie.
Cheika said he would return into an environment being guided by a strong internal sense of respect, rather than a formal code of conduct.
“I don’t believe in too many of those sorts of rules. If you have to force it on guys it’s a worry,” Cheika said.
“I’ve been pleased about seeing the team (embrace the culture).
“When I’ve told them that’s the way I want it to be, they’ve really responded to that and matured.
“It’s like they’re saying ‘he’s giving us the opportunity to behave like responsible men, let’s make sure we take it’.”
Wade Fyte
Guest
ahh, they were a cheerful lot..cheerful AND violent
QldFan
Guest
@jameswm, don't you have anything to say that has at least a semblance of intelligence in it?
QldFan
Guest
Mmm, great player Digger? For the Tahs maybe, but hasn't shown up regularly for the WBs
QldFan
Guest
@ jameswm. And you know it?? I doubt that very much, because if you do, then tell it for all to see!
RobC
Roar Guru
James as mentioned: http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/10/31/aru-publishes-summary-events-around-kurtley-beale-saga/ 23 October 2014: - The Code of Conduct Tribunal required the ARU to make a recommendation in the event Kurtley Beale was found guilty of breaching the Code. - The ARU Board of Directors resolved that the first text alone constituted a breach of the Australian Rugby Union’s Code of Conduct. , and therefore the ARU’s recommendation was that Mr Beale’s contract be terminated
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I love the old lines trotted out by the NSW friendly media that Cheika wouldn't cop any sh*t as coach. First thing he does is puts one of the biggest trouble makers in modern Wallaby history on a plane. For reference Matt Henjak punched a team mate in the jaw in 2008 and was ultimately dismissed by the Western Force. Beale did the same in 2013 for Gareth Delve having the audacity to tell him to put on a shirt to walk from the team bus to the team hotel, has caused trouble again since and is still here. What a joke.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Really? Because there's still the Laws of society that he has struggled to meet. In his career he's been found guilty of drink driving, accused of assault on a female relative, charged with assault on a bouncer and mediated out of court, been accused of assaulting his captain and team mate, and admitted guilt to sexual harassment. That's not even mentioning the "rules" of employment as a professional athlete he has failed to meet like drinking whilst recovering from injury twice, drinking whilst on an agreed alcohol ban and similar. The only thing we can be sure of, is Beale will be involved in something again that will detract from the team. Don't try to paint him as a fun loving caviler who just struggles to fit into society. He's selfish and consistently puts his own interests before the teams. His unwillingness to put effort into contact on the field is evidence of that.
Mike
Guest
You seem to have forgotten that all Australian players had issues against the All Blacks - like the following Bled 2 where your hero Quade was at fly half. First time in history that we have failed to score a point against the ABs, plus he was involved with letting their scorers get through. All players have better and worse things in their past.
Mike
Guest
:D Very good...
Mike
Guest
"According to the Beale lovers ..." Like James Slipper and the rest of the Wallabies.
Mike
Guest
But not litotes. Without litotes, he will never be as fearsome as ... Doug Piranha!!!!
Mike
Guest
Fair point re JOC. Whatever the truth of the Beale matter, JOCs indiscretion have been quite minor - a couple like missing the team bus that needed a kick up the arse - but the vitriol and bile directed at JOC last year just shows how far many fans are from really understanding what acceptable behaviour means.
Mike
Guest
Yep, just like Quade will save us ... see BC game 2012 with Cooper at flyhalf... oh wait a min.
Bradm
Guest
Johnson, A lot of things are broke with KB around
Mike Caxton
Roar Rookie
What was the question? "Who sent the 2nd text"
Mike Caxton
Roar Rookie
Well, feel free to divulge then ...
bob
Guest
Beale is a disease and belongs in nrl, its sad the way australian rugby is going how many chances does a average player get?
RobC
Roar Guru
James, it was mentioned at least once by Pulver. I'll paste the link a little later after I retrieve it. It's fairly common knowledge I thought I should be more precise. They want him out. But they need to cede to tribunal decision.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Roar commentators include the connected few. Wonderful - more knowledgeable intrigue to be revealed by Jameswm. Or not.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Oooooh! Do you? C'mon, don't keep it all to yourself Jameswm, give us the insider gossip. In a verifiable way of course.