Pundits on both side of the rugby fence have their say on a possible cross-code switch.
The Australian Rugby Union is under increasing pressure to secure star Kurtley Beale for next year’s World Cup as a switch to the NRL looms as one of his genuine options.
League legend Andrew Johns said on Sunday that Beale would be “an absolute sensation” as a fullback in the NRL, after reports suggest the Bulldogs want to sign Beale in that position for the 2015 season .
One of the most gifted players in Australia — former Wallabies coach Alan Jones recently said the national team should build their entire game plan around him — Beale is contemplating walking away in what would be a disaster for the financially struggling code.
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika desperately wants Beale re-signed but is at the mercy of the ARU, who are understood to be awaiting a response from Beale on their offer for a contract extension.
Beale recently expressed his displeasure at starting on the Wallabies bench under national coach Ewen McKenzie during the three-Test series against France, so it appears that game time for Australia, and money, will be his two key considerations.
It would be a devastating blow for Australian rugby if they were to lose Beale, who was last year described by ARU boss Bill Pulver as “a national treasure” and is a shining beacon for indigenous rugby players as the Ella brothers and Andrew Walker were before him.
COMMENTS