Gerard Beale bows out after 194 NRL games

New Zealand international Gerard Beale has retired from the NRL after a career spanning more than a decade.

The 30-year-old, who has spent the past three seasons at the Warriors, announced his retirement on Sunday.

Since making his NRL debut in 2009 with Brisbane, Beale also played for St George Illawarra and Cronulla, chalking up 194 games in a career often punctuated by injury.

He figured in Cronulla’s 2016 premiership win, coming off the bench as a second-half grand final replacement when winger Sosaia Feki was injured against Melbourne.

Beale also represented the Kiwis in 11 Tests between 2011 and 2017.

“I am proud that in these 12 years through all the injuries and setbacks I persevered and was able to not only keep playing but win a premiership, represent my culture and my country,” Beale said in a social media post.

Beale may not be entirely lost to the rugby league’s playing ranks, hinting he might turn out in Queensland’s state competition in 2021.

“Although you may not see me in the NRL, having a run in the Queensland Cup in still on the cards,” he said.

Beale made the last of seven appearances in 2020 for the Warriors when they lost to Parramatta in round 17.

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