Kurtley Beale could be back for the Rebels on Friday night. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun
KURTLEY Beale's meeting with Melbourne Rebels teammates will help decide if the Wallaby champion's Super Rugby exile will end on Friday night.
The Herald Sun understands Beale will speak to his teammates before training today at Visy Park in his first face-to-face contact with them since being banished from the South African tour in March for fighting with teammate Cooper Vuna.
Coach Damien Hill will have the ultimate say on whether Beale is selected to face Super Rugby champions Waikato Chiefs at AAMI Park on Friday, but the players' reaction to him will be pivotal.
Several senior players -- including Vuna, James O'Connor and Mitch Inman -- have publicly supported Beale's return to the fold.
The 24-year-old has been estranged from the Rebels since fighting Vuna and captain Gareth Delve in Durban on March 25.
Vuna and Beale, who are friends, were sent home on separate flights.
Beale returned to the club's Carlton base yesterday for a weights and logistics session.
The Herald Sun last week revealed Beale had asked to speak to his teammates before resuming his career. That meeting is likely to be an emotional confrontation.
Beale, who has been counselled for alcohol-related issues during a five-week suspension, has worked closely with the Australian Rugby Union, the Rebels and the Rugby Union Players' Association.
He has maintained fitness under the guidance of ARU staffers and has held several meetings with Wallaby coach Robbie Deane.
The Rebels delivered one of their best performances of the season on Sunday against the Crusaders in Christchurch, let down by some poor discipline late in the 30-26 defeat.
Hill said the Rebels' short turnaround would be draining physically but was probably good for the team.
"I think the sooner you get back to playing after a close loss the better, but it's going to be tough on them with a five-day turnaround," he said.
Scott Higginbotham cemented his case to be the permanent Rebels skipper when Delve leaves at season's end. He scored a try and set up another and was everywhere in defence.
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