Beale busting to get back in action
Warriors league recruit Gerard Beale hopes to be fit for the start of the NRL after a broken leg ruined his World Cup dream.
The 27-year-old former Cronulla Sharks outside back is on a gradual return to training after suffering a double fracture in his left leg during the second-half of New Zealand’s win over Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium on October 28.
Beale was told his recovery would take four to six months and hopes to begin running in February after making good progress over the holiday break.
“I’ve been nailing the rehab and there’s plenty of things I can still do at the moment and each week is a progression,” Beale said. “I feel like I am [ahead of schedule] but it’s hard to tell. I’m pushing for the start of the season but it’s a week by week thing.
“I’ve been living on the bike and in the pool but it’s good that each week I get to start something new. I’m just focusing on doing everything and working on the little things and trying to get better each day.”
Beale initially hurt himself after making a try-saving tackle near the line but remained on the field before his leg gave way.
The 2016 premiership winner admits he struggled with the disappointment of being ruled out of the Kiwis campaign but eventually came to see the bright side.
“It was [brutal]. Wanting to do so well and represent New Zealand, and to go down in the first game . . . It didn’t really sink in. I couldn’t believe that it happened.
“It was definitely a downer but there were still some positives — I then got to spend some quality time with my family, although I couldn’t do much on crutches, and having the offseason on my side to get healthy again for this year.”
After spending Christmas in Australia, Beale made the shift to Auckland on his own in the New Year, with his wife, Roimata, and their three children to arrive in coming weeks.
“I’ve been really excited to get over here and to get started and it’s finally underway.
“I’m currently living with [Warriors hooker] Manaia Cherrington. We knew each other in Sydney, so I’ve got a friendly face there. That gives me time to really focus on the injury and getting it right and then the family will come over soon.
“I officially started last Wednesday and I’m really enjoying it. The boys are really training hard and I’m trying to do my part, whether that’s just in the gym or helping to motivate them in any way I can.”
The full Warriors squad assembled at Mt Smart Stadium yesterday for photos in their new playing strip following a light training run this morning. The club have preseason trials against premiers Melbourne Storm in Rotorua on February 17, and Gold Coast Titans on the Sunshine Coast on February 24. Their NRL campaign begins against South Sydney in Perth on March 10.