Beasley heads for France as dream comes true
TOWNSVILLE Blackhawks lock Daniel Beasley is bidding “au revoir” to Jack Manski Oval after signing with French rugby league club Albi.
The former Cowboys under- 20s forward could return to the Blackhawks at the back of 2018, however, once the French season finishes.
“It is something that I have always wanted to do from a very early age,” said Beasley, who will not play in tomorrow’s final regular season game against the Sunshine Coast Falcons because of injury.
“I told my mother when I was 12 that I wanted to play rugby league overseas, and now it’s happening it’s a bit surreal.
“A friend put me on to a contact at Albi and once I sent my player resume over there, they pretty much came back the same day.
“The things I’ll miss most are our beaches, fishing and definitely my mates.
“But I’m really looking forward to experiencing a whole new culture and lifestyle over there.”
Blackhawks coach Kristian Woolf, who has coached Beasley since 2010 starting at the Cowboys under 20s, believes Beasley will be stand out in the French competition.
“Dan is always a very mentally and physically tough player,” Woolf said.
“I think he will really stand out and be one of the best players in the competition because of this.
“He is one of the finest leaders I’ve seen, on and off the field, and a good influence on other players. It’s a bonus for us that we are not saying goodbye completely, but look forward to welcoming him back towards the end of next year.”
Beasley said the ultimate show of thanks to his teammates would be to be to secure a grand final win.
“I don’t think my role at this club would ever be fully complete until we win a maiden grand final,” he said.
“It’s something that our club deserves and something that I would love to be a part of.”