Kurtley Beale
Waratahs and Wallabies back Kurtley Beale says that a decision on where he will play next year is “just around the corner”.
Beale has offers from Europe, Japan and the NRL and comes out of contract with the Australian Rugby Union and New South Wales Rugby at the end of the season.
The Waratahs back is a core member of the team that will finish the Super Rugby in first place on the standings but was a replacement on the bench for the Wallabies in their three-Test series against France.
The ARU has a banding system which could make it difficult for a player on the Wallabies bench to negotiate a big top-up to his Super Rugby contract.
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“It will be (made) pretty soon,” Beale said about his decision on where he will play next year.”
“It’s just around the corner. I’m not too worried about it at the moment.”
“All I’m focused on right now is trying to play good footy. It is a very exciting time for me and the Waratahs.”
“That’s all I’m worried about. Playing consistent football and playing my part for the boys, and hopefully the rest will sort itself out when the time is right.”
Beale’s Super Rugby coach Michael Cheika says that the matter is out of his control as the matter is being dealt with by the ARU.
“I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve not been dealing with the negotiations,” Cheika said.
“They (the ARU) are negotiating it. It’s up to them.”
Beale said that after the Waratahs ensured that they will finish the season of top of the Super Rugby standings they will be looking to maintain their momentum from the Highlanders match through to the Reds and then the play offs.
“The competition hasn’t finished yet for us. We want to build on the momentum we have created all year,” Beale said.
“This is going to help us going into the finals. I think playing the Reds is always going to be a tough battle. It’s a local derby, and NSW versus Queensland, it doesn’t get any better, especially up at Suncorp.”
Meanwhile coach Cheika said that as he has another year left on his own contract he was not concerned about re-signing and that he is focused on the Waratahs title bid.
“They have approached me, but no details as yet,” he said.
“There’s no hurry. I’ve still got another year of my contract. I’m not even thinking about it, to be honest.”