Troubled Test playmaker Kurtley Beale will have just one game to state his case for Wallabies selection against the touring British and Irish Lions.

Dealing with alcohol issues, Beale opted to continue his rehabilitation in Sydney and will return to the playing field on Saturday with club side Randwick.

His Melbourne Rebels teammates meanwhile take on the Reds in Brisbane in their Super Rugby clash on Saturday night.

Despite his lack of rugby, not starting a game since round three, Beale is still considered an outside chance to return to the Wallabies, with coach Robbie Deans a big supporter.

He’s believed to have kept in tip-top shape while in a Sydney treatment facility for the past two weeks.

But as Randwick don’t play again until the weekend after the final Australian squad is named on June 11, Beale needs to make an impact on Saturday against Sydney University.

Melbourne coach Damien Hill said he wasn’t sure if the off-contract Beale, tipped to join NSW next season, would play for the Rebels again.

“He’s completed the first stage of the program and from all reports it’s been completed successfully,” Hill said.

“He’s going to stay with the family in Sydney because everyone agreed that’s the most supportive environment for him to continue on with his program and then we’ll make an assessment after that.”

After the Reds the Rebels face Australian conference leaders the Brumbies on June 7 in Canberra.

They have a game against the Lions on June 22, face the Brumbies in a `practice’ game during their three-week lay-off, and then play a final Super Rugby match against the Highlanders in Melbourne on July 12.

The 24-year-old Beale has only managed four games for the Rebels this season, with a hand injury and then two suspensions ruining his season.

In his absence, and injury to fellow Test star James O’Connor, Melbourne have unearthed another bright prospect in Bryce Hegarty, who joined the side from the Brisbane Broncos’ under 20s team.