KURTLEY BEALE IS thankful to have been selected in the 31-man Australia squad to face the British and Irish Lions.
The Melbourne Rebels utility was one of six players added to the final Wallabies squad for the three-Test series against the Lions. Beale, 24, faced the media on Tuesday for the first time since re-entering counselling to deal with alcohol-related issues which threatened to ruin his career.
He said he was delighted to be in the squad for the Test series and was thankful to be given the opportunity by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.
“It’s obviously a once in a lifetime opportunity and to do it with some of your peers, that you’ve been mates with for a long, long time – it’s a great honour,” Beale said. ”To represent your country at the highest level like this, it’s the pinnacle. Like I said, I’m very grateful to do it.
“To have the opportunity to be a part of the 31-man squad, there’s still a long way to go yet for myself personally, but it’s just great to be around the environment.
“It’s very positive. The guys are upbeat and looking forward to taking on the Lions.”
Beale said the support of family, friends and team-mates had helped him through his off-field issues. He believes he is ready if called upon for the first Test in Brisbane on June 22, and Deans said the coaching staff and players were confident he could produce his best.
“The fact we’ve got him here is indicative of the fact we believe in his ability to cope. For anyone who has seen Kurtley play, he’s got the fastest reflexes and anticipation in the game,” Deans said. ”He had to obviously cater for the physical needs and his mental needs and he had to assure us and his team-mates that he’s done that. I can assure you from what we’ve witnessed through training, he’s ready to go.”
Meanwhile, Queensland Reds winger Luke Morahan has been called into the Wallabies squad to replace Joe Tomane. Brumbies winger Tomane has been ruled out of the opening Test due to a toe injury suffered during training on Monday.
