Kurtley Beale mourning his baby brother as he returns to rugby after 12-month hiatus

Rugby star Kurtley Beale will make his comeback from a horror year with a heavy heart today, following the sudden death of his younger brother on Thursday.

Under a picture of Kurtley Beale and his younger brother on his Instagram account is the heartbreaking caption: “Love my brother. Sometimes being a brother is better than being a superhero.”

This weekend, it will take a superhuman effort from the Wallabies great to make his return to the footy field after a one-year hiatus, while dealing with the death of William.

The shattered 35-year-old was considering forfeiting the game when he got the news some 48 hours before kick-off, but felt his brother, also a talented footy player, would have wanted him to go on.

The news is a crushing blow for Beale, who is desperate to get back on the field after a tumultuous year.

Late on Friday he was wrestling with his grief to take the flight to Queensland with his Randwick teammates ahead of today’s game, with his brother’s cause of death still unknown.

Kurtley Beale says the silver lining of his year off the field was getting to spend more time with his wife Maddi and son KJ. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Beale, who grew up in Mt Druitt and considered himself a league boy, was introduced to union during his years at the prestigious boys school St Joseph’s College.

Forever grateful to his Pop for giving him such a life-changing opportunity, he encouraged all teenagers to grasp every chance that comes their way.

“My younger brother was also a Joey’s boy, and a very good footballer,” he said.

“He had all the skills to be a pro in either code, but sadly didn’t last at Joeys. He found it very tough after Pop passed away in 2007.”

Beale was just starting at the Waratahs, channelling all of his energy into rugby, while his brother found boarding school difficult and wanted to be home with his family.

In an exclusive interview earlier in the week Beale was the first to admit he put himself in a “poor situation” that ultimately derailed his career.

Beale’s long-awaited footy comeback will be tinged with sadness for his brother William, who died unexpectedly this week. Picture: Supplied

But he has learnt valuable lessons from the infamous night that landed him before the court.

“There is a culture in elite sport of having beers with your teammates after the game,” Beale said.

“Moving forward it’s being wary of who you mix with, keep your friends close and being more careful when drinking and socialising in public places.

“I put myself in a poor situation, out drinking at the pub with teammates.

“It’s a huge lesson for me not only as a public figure but as a father with a young family.

“I shouldn’t have been out.”

Beale at sprint training with Roger Fabri. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Beale said being “focused and not distracted” by factors outside of rugby was vital.

“It was a tough 12 months and my wife Maddi and I worked on our relationship, building on trust and getting through with love and support,” the 35-year-old said, adding his forced break from footy made him focus on what was important.

“One thing I got to do was conquer my fear of sharks in the ocean, swimming with my wife every morning,” he said.

“She’s always been a swimmer, there’s something about the salt water, releases the endorphins, it’s a great way to start our day.”

Beale conceded he’s not as brave as his wife, revealing he downloaded a shark alert app and “steered clear” on the days where sharks were said to be within 300m.

“Yeah, I’m definitely looking forward to being back on the pitch, there’s no sharks there,” he said.

Beale hopes one day to return to the Wallabies side. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Beale, who has played 95 Tests for Australia, was found not guilty of sexual offences against a woman at a pub.

It took the jury less than an hour to reject allegations that he groped her bottom at the Beach Road bar on December 17, 2022, before forcing her into oral sex in the men’s bathroom.

He was stood down by the Waratahs in January 2023 pending the conclusion of his legal proceedings and Rugby Australia’s investigation.

Beale said time off the field had “slowed” him right down and helped him to appreciate the important things in his life — his wife, son and baby on the way.

“My advice to kids would be there are plenty of distractions, but what this time has taught me is to appreciate what I have.

“The silver lining has been that I have got to spend more time with my 17-month-old son and see him grow.”

Drumming up some fun with 17-month-old son KJ. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

He’s taking one day at a time, one opportunity at a time and nothing for granted.

“Starting back at club rugby is a privilege, especially to be playing for Randwick,” he said.

“It’s so good to be back in a team environment with positive energy and back with the ball in hand doing what I love. I have really missed it.”

Beale conceded he struggled with being stood down, unable to train or play.

“Watching the Tahs and Wallabies last year upset me,” he said.

“Last year I kept a strong focus on being mentally and physically resilient. I did weekly sprint training with Roger Fabri to work on my speed and fitness. I also did a little bit of individual rugby training with a previous coach Scott Wisemantle and old teammate Berrick Barnes. “That helped reinvigorate my passion and they helped sharpen me up ready for the next opportunity.”

As to his future, Beale says there is interest from rugby league and overseas rugby.

“So I’m still deciding my future, but this next step will be for Wicks in club rugby. I feel I have a lot more to give to the game.

“My hunger is still there to play for the Wallabies and I would love to get to 100 caps and be the first centurion Indigenous player.

“That’s always been my goal and dream. But not getting ahead of myself, one step at a time and focusing on the short term.”

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