Kurtley Beale open to shock code switch after being cleared of sexual assault offences
Kurtley Beale in action during a Wallabies training session.
After an horrendous 2023 season, Wallabies and Waratahs utility back Kurtley Beale has revealed that he is open to making a code switch to play rugby league.
Beale was recently found not guilty of raping a woman in a Sydney bar which allegedly took place in December 2022.
Played no rugby in 2023
The 35-year-old was suspended from all rugby after he was arrested and the case meant he missed out on playing at a fourth Rugby World Cup for Australia in France last year.
However, the fact that he was cleared on the rape charge and two counts of of sexual touching without consent at the New South Wales District Court in Sydney last Friday means Beale is free to continue his career as a professional sportsman.
And Beale is keen to give the 13-a-side code a shot.
“It’s a possibility,” he told Nine’s Wide World of Sports. “I’ve always been a big admirer of league. Growing up in Mt Druitt, Sydney west, but also there’s been an admiration throughout my career.
“Always watching league over the weekends and taking little bits from different players to add to my game.
“There is interest there, for both codes.”
While kicking his heels on the sidelines for the entire 2023 season, Beale has been working on maintaining his fitness levels by training with renowned sprint coach Roger Fabri.
However, Beale’s age and relative inexperience as a rugby league player could make it difficult for him to secure a contract in the NRL – the world’s best tournament in the code – although his excellent playmaking skills could tempt clubs to sign him at the right price.
Beale said he is willing to head abroad if he receives an opportunity there. The 95-Test Wallaby is no stranger to plying his trade overseas as he played for Top 14 outfit Racing 92 from 2020 to 2022.
Despite being found not guilty of the sexual assault offences, Beale admitted regret over the incident. He said he is now fully focused on his young family and his wife, who is expecting their second child.
Keen to move on
“I guess overall just relieved, now I can put the past year behind me,” he said.
“There’s certainly mistakes that I’m not proud of. They are huge work-ons for me, to be a better person going forward.
“I’m not a perfect person but I’ll be doing everything I can to take the right steps ahead with the relationships I have in my life.”
READ MORE: Wallabies star Kurtley Beale found not guilty of sexual assault offences
