Kurtley Beale’s former mentor and manager Glen Ella says the troubled Wallabies star is ready to come back and perform for Australia, as he launches a late bid to play against the British and Irish Lions.
Beale will play for Randwick against Sydney University in a club game on Saturday, just three weeks before the first Test against the Lions in Brisbane.
Injury and two suspensions have limited the gifted 36-Test back to just over half-an-hour’s action in the past three months.
He missed six Super games with a broken hand and his first suspension.
Beale, who is battling alcohol issues, was stood down for a second time after a cameo appearance against the Chiefs in early May, after breaching behavioural guidelines.
Saturday’s game is likely to be his only chance to press his Test claims before the Australian squad is finalised. He missed out on the initial 25-man squad for the three-Test series, but the Australian selectors are set to name six more players.
At least one member of the Wallabies management will be present to watch Beale on Saturday, with the others expected to view a tape of the game.
“He (Beale) is not out of the frame (for the Lions tour),” former Wallabies fullback Ella told AAP.
“I think he’s made his mistakes and I think he’s ready to get back on board and play well for Australia and get his life back in order.”
Glen’s brother Gary, a former Wallaby centre, felt Saturday’s club game was the ideal stage for Beale to perform.
“I’m sure that he’ll just get out there and be Kurtley Beale again and just enjoy the game and enjoy the atmosphere of club rugby,” Gary Ella said.
“It’s the perfect way for him to come back.”