Wallabies back Kurtley Beale isn’t worried about criticism from disgruntled rugby fans and doesn’t expect to make a quick decision about his plans for 2016.
The year of 2014 had its share of highs and lows for Beale, one of Australian rugby’s most talented but controversial figures.
On the field, he enjoyed one of his best seasons, starring in the unfamiliar role of inside centre and playing a prominent part in the Waratahs’ first Super Rugby title.
Away from the field, he was fined $45,000 for sending an offensive photograph to an Australian Rugby Union employee and later fined a further $30,000 for a verbal altercation with members of the Wallaby management team.
A lot of ire was directed at Beale through social media and Waratahs and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said the player will have to deal with any residual negativity.
Beale 26, is no stranger to criticism and scrutiny, having been identified as a potential superstar while still at school.
“I’ve been copping it since I started. That won’t change, so I don’t let it worry me,” Beale told AAP.
“Right now, I am looking forward to getting on the field and my focus is to play my best rugby with the Waratahs.
“I’ll let my performance on the field speak for itself.”
The incidents last year added to a list of off-field issues for the gifted back, who in 2013 was stood down by the Melbourne Rebels for alcohol-related issues.
Beale, who has played 49 Tests, is confident the support around him means there won’t be any more off-field problems.
“I’ve got a lot of good friends, on and off the field, who give me great support and with their help hopefully there won’t be any problems off the field.”
While Cheika’s appointment as Wallabies coach helped keep Beale with NSW and Australian rugby, it was the lure of playing at this year’s World Cup that was the primary reason for him staying put.
“It’s a World Cup year and I went to the World Cup four years ago and I want to go again,” Beale said.
His decision to sign for just the one season will inevitably raise more speculation about his future, but Beale is in no hurry to make a decision about next year.
“It’s a big year this year and I’m just really grateful that I have the opportunity to play for the Waratahs and the Wallabies,” Beale said.
“If I work hard this season, hopefully my performance will give me the chance to play in this year’s World Cup, that’s my goal.
“I’ll probably think about next year once this season and Rugby World Cup is over.”
Utility Beale isn’t stating a preferred position, but seems comfortable switching with Bernard Foley, who he played outside during the Waratahs title-winning campaign.
“Bernard Foley and I work well together, we understand our roles,” Beale said.
“There’s no problems with either one of us slipping into the first receiver role at different times.”
RobC
Roar Guru
I guess when he said his performance on the field will speak for itself - Round 1 doesnt count?
Squirrel
Guest
All three amigos are selfish brats that have destroyed the wallaby brand not just KB
grapeseed
Guest
You guys know that the ARU admitted a degree of complicity to the break and enter (he left the flat without the laptops) as they has issued him Stillnox or similar for a flight earlier on the same day without warning him of the effects of mixing with alcohol? From an article around the time: "A forensic psychiatrist analysed the results and concluded that the combined effect of benzodiazepine and alcohol had put Cooper into a stupor and he was not in control of his actions. "It was a similar situation to date-rape victims who have their drinks spiked with rohypnol [which contains benzodiazepine]" " QC was a young man issued a sleeping pill now notorious for its effects when combined with alcohol by the then ARU team doctor, without warning of the side effects. He went out on Peter Hynes' bucks night hours after getting off the plane. I doubt QC paid much, if any, of the 30k fine out of his own pocket. He certainly hadn't done anything like that before or since. Drawing a moral equivalence with that and sending a text fat shaming a middle aged female member of the Wallabies managememt team multiple times while stone cold sober is...well, everyone can draw their own conclusions.
Johnny Boy Jnr
Guest
If only Kurtley snapped his collar bone and not Quade. I really can't stand this selfish, overrated grub. Australian Rugby will be able to move forward when he's off after RWC
Mark G
Guest
The rumour mill suggests that the laptop had images of QC and JOC in a spa together in a compromising position and were being used to blackmail QC. Would he really steal a laptop for any other reason? He makes enough money...
Brad T
Guest
Rob The importance of the 2nd text, apart from it being far more offensive, is she has accused KB of sending it. If he didn't send it one would presume she is lying and has a lot to answer. She was given the opportunity to back up her claims but has failed to offer any evidence other than sending the text that only she is known to have seen or possessed. Kurtley has admitted to his wrong doings and backed up his innocence on other matters at relevant enquiry. Perhaps in years to come DP might make a claim for compensation. The forms there.
RobC
Roar Guru
Yeah, feel free to form your own opinion and exonerate him Mine is somewhat different. There's no definite evidence he didn't send it. But from the little I know, it seems unlikely he did. He was adamant it wasn't him. That means he's also confident the evidence cannot prove its him. Unless he's got hackers in his employ to clear his tracks. Which seems far fetched. Also, feel to try bury DiPat. But your argument draws the same long bow others make about KB on the second text. So I don’t think you're winning anyone over from the other side of these ping pong arguments. In any case I really don't care about the second text, until more is revealed. Which is unlikely at this point
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Brad T
Guest
From my recollection there was no evidence whatsoever that KB had even seen the 2nd text. And no record of him having a phone with it on it. I quess that's a pretty good reason to clear him. So back to the fact only one person was known to have seen or possessed the text prior to it being sent to media. Only one person with anything to gain from sending it to the media and no way to verify where it originated without handing back the phone itself. I believe I read that despite requests from the ARU the Pattson phone was never returned.
RobC
Roar Guru
From recollection, he wasn't cleared from the list of potential senders. there was insufficient evidence that he sent it. But it doesn't mean it is proven he did not send it. Also doesn't strike out DiPat, as a potential sender too. No one is exempt, from my understanding. KB is on record saying he didn't send it, and seems adamant. So that helps clarify things a bit.
Sportym
Guest
All it would take is a little self reflection and acknowledgement that he has some wrong doing I the events last year. That is why supporters boo you KB, you are either ignorant, arrogant or stupid , possibly all . And you could be so much more if you took responsibility for your actions and not expected to have everyone around you act like you babysitter. Grow up mate. You have the potential to be a great wallaby, though are not striving to reach it.
Brad T
Guest
From all the reports regarding the second text, the only thing we know is that Pattson sent it to the media. Forensic testing apparently cleared KB of sending it and no one else has claimed to have received it. Makes you wonder doesn't it. Yet so many are quick to hang KB while jumping to defend Pattson without knowing all the facts. Not in a position to say who is telling the truth, but it seems there are a lot of hypocrites out there.
Chivas
Guest
Really, you now need to resort to silly and grubby little responses like that? Which was where this discussion started. Me questioning your unsound logic and comments. I understand the hahaha now. It precedes a joke which I now realise your comments are. So LOL
grapeseed
Guest
Lol, are you sure there's not a workplace harassment victim somewhere you need to attack, big guy?
RobC
Roar Guru
ok thanks rtk. Hope you can share if it comes up.
RobC
Roar Guru
Mick, You quote that 'he stole two laptops'... etc. But you omitted one word preceding it in the article: 'allegations'. Which is a substantive omission. I started wonder if thats accidental? Or trying to win an argument, make another point. Then again, it doesnt really matter.
redderthankevin
Guest
It wasn't hush money? it is pretty common. It was all over the news and i think from memory it was around the $30,000 mark. It was too a brazillian backpacker. Its just from memory though.
AndyS
Guest
My original point being that there is pretty much nothing more or less that he could have said around that quote, reported or otherwise, that would allow that statement to have any real meaning any more. They are words he has made meaningless, that surely even he can't believe any more.
Dannyray
Guest
Nope - just saying we don't in fact know. The news story is a story. The point is, there could be more he said or less. Seems a bit naive to believe this story as an important source of KBs character or how he's trying to improve after a disastrous situation last year with the Wallabies. Sure, he's made mistakes, now it seems a little more imminent that if he makes another, the privilege of being a pro rugby player in this country will be finished. Maybe that will be enough of an incentive for him. Magical words or not, with Cheika as coach of provincial & National teams and seemingly pretty close to KB, I'd be hoping he can impress upon him the importance of appreciating the fortunate position he's in.
AndyS
Guest
So you are saying these must all be new friends, or are they the same old friends that have so consistently let him down (or the other way around) for so long that he should hardly be relying on them? If he had said "help", "treatment" or similar it might have been one thing; "friends", particularly those on the field, seems to be the same old tinned cr@p we hear after every incident. Wasn't the stability of friends and family supposed to be the saving grace of his return to Sydney? So I simply can't see any context where that statement could be taken as having any sort of genuine meaning, not after so many other airings. More likely they are simply the magical words said to make things go away.