Playing on: Kurtley Beale
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Wallabies playmaker Kurtley Beale is planning on playing a large part of the season with a troublesome left shoulder injury that requires surgery.
The Melbourne Rebels fly-half sustained the injury against England at Twickenham in November and he popped the shoulder out and back in during last week's 30-13 Super Rugby loss to the Brumbies.
Although he has been cleared to face the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday, Beale admits that the injury is painful and is expecting his former team-mates to target him.
"I can still play with it. There is a little bit of pain to cope with. I did that last week. It was a bit too much I think," Beale told AAP
"Later on in the year, it will definitely require surgery.
"I'll worry about that more later in the year. I've got some footy games ahead of me if the shoulder pulls up fine after each week.
"Obviously, the Lions Tour is a big target."
"I know the NSW pack will be targeting me in some areas," he added.
"That's what happened last weekend and it's probably why the injury happened.
"We've got a plan in place. At times, I might drop out the back and might help the counter out a bit."
Full-back James O'Connor, who will captain the Rebels for the first time with in the absence of the injured Gareth Delve, said he believed the injury would not hamper Beale.
"Talking to him, he feels good and if Kurtley couldn't give his best for the team, he wouldn't be out there," said O'Connor.
Comments
APV1 says...
"Justice Mediation"?
A let-off if ever I heard of one.
The ARU need to grow a pair and suspend him ufn. Like England did with Danny Care.
This is a nonsense and sends entirely the wrong message to up-and-coming youngsters.
Posted 17:48 04th March 2013
ferdie says...
well his shoulder gets a rest, now he's out for 3-4 weeks after suffering a fractured hand on Friday night.
No, not caught stealing from the till, or punching someone this time, but a genuine rugby injury in match v Waratahs! Await next headline he'll be out at a nightclub with QC after this weekend's match.
Posted 01:31 04th March 2013
ferdie says...
Surprised his insurers allow him to continue playing; eg if a re-injury to his shoulder becomes career-ending and they have to pay out in full, thought they'd insist on him having surgery now if it's that serious. Don't know about other players targeting it, but must be a concern for him when tackling.
Posted 23:12 28th February 2013
markpat says...
@daibok - or themselves, he was a liability after he took the knock last week. Therefore suggests it's not the Rebels choice, but his own.
Posted 13:19 28th February 2013
UBA05 says...
I definitely would not reveal such info for all to know (including opposition) if i was him.
You're damn right that your gonna be targeted. This is rugby, any opposition weakness will always be exploited.
Watch out for the big forwards down his channel all night
Posted 12:47 28th February 2013
daibok says...
Crazy to put such the player at risk. The Rebels are doing nobody any favours with this - certainly not the fans or Australia.
Posted 10:37 28th February 2013
georgesmith says...
Seriously. Sounds crazy to play with an injury. Will he be able to contribute effectively or end up as a liability.
Posted 08:02 28th February 2013