Beale promises passion

At last there’s something to play for in the game that kicks off the new NRL season.

The annual game that’s marks the start of a new campaign, played by the Indigenous All Stars, used to be a one-sided affair when it came to motivation.

The Indigenous team played with passion, representing their heritage, but their opponents, either the NRL All Stars or World All Stars, were cobbled together sides, playing for nothing in particular.

So it was a smart move to set up a new fixture between the Indigenous All Stars and New Zealand Maori team.

For some, it will grate to have the likes of James Tamou, Kalyn Ponga playing for a team with New Zealand in its name when they both snubbed the Kiwis.

But at least there will be two teams taking to the field in Melbourne tonight playing for something.

‘‘I’m really excited,’’ said Gerard Beale, who is on the extended interchange bench.

‘‘I know they’ve had games against each other in the past [2008], but to put an emphasis around it and put it on a big stage is awesome and I’m happy to be a part of it.’’

The 28-year-old Beale acknowledged that these season opener games lacked an edge in the past, but is glad of the change. ‘‘That was missing from it,’’ he said ‘‘I’m passionate about my culture and I know the same goes for all the Maori boys.

‘‘Not only that, but the Maori boys who play rugby league in general, they’re chomping at the bit to watch the game and to be a part of it also.

‘‘For us, to be able to represent our culture, like the indigenous team, is awesome.’’

Beale took a break from Warriors preseason training along with Tohu Harris, Adam Blair and Peta Hiku to be a part of this New Zealand Maori team.

Once it’s over he’ll be back in Auckland for his second year with the club and hoping that it’s a better one for him that last year from a personal point of view.

He broke his leg during the ill-fated 2017 World Cup and wasn’t back in action until midway through last season.

‘‘Last year coming in halfway through the year and being new to the club, it was tough,’’ he said. ‘‘Especially because the boys were on such a high when I came into the side.

‘‘To be able to start preseason from scratch with the boys, work on combinations has been great and the body is feeling really good.’’

Last year Beale started eight games at centre and three on the wing for the Warriors.

He has that versatility to allow him to seamlessly play in both positions, but doesn’t know where most of his appearances will be this year.

‘‘Obviously, it’s always up to Mooks [Stephen Kearney, Warriors coach], he’s been trialling us all around different positions in the backline.

‘‘So I’m coming to training and still learning and all I can do is put my best foot forward.’’

‘‘I’m passionate about my culture and I know the same goes for all the Maori boys.’’ Gerard Beale