NRL Grand Final 2016: Cronulla’s Gerard Beale will look to his family for inspiration

WIN or lose Sunday’s NRL grand final, an emotional Cronulla centre Gerard Beale will make a special point of gazing into the clear skies above.

WIN or lose Sunday’s NRL grand final, an emotional Cronulla centre Gerard Beale will make a special point of gazing into the clear skies above.

For those few poignant seconds, Beale will once again feel close to his mother, Laurise.

“I will look to the skies and blow her a kiss,” Beale told The Daily Telegraph. “She is always in my thoughts.”

“I will look to the skies and blow her a kiss”...Beale’s mother, Laurise passed away in 2008.

Gerard Beale admits his emotions might get the better of him. Pic: Gregg Porteous

Laurise passed away from cancer in 2008. It left Beale, just 18, and younger sister, Jackie, heartbroken.

Even this week, tears welled in Beale’s eyes when he spoke of his mum. Reminding himself every day of the life lessons she left behind that have helped him on and off the field.

That will guide Beale against Melbourne at ANZ Stadium on Sunday in every tackle, run and pass.

For Beale, after 140 career games and heading into his ninth NRL finals match, there is no greater inspiration than family.

“I can’t go past my mum and dad,” Beale said. “They have been there for me all the time. I am always thinking about her.

“I try and remember the times we had together and the values she instilled in me. “She taught me to be honest and be a good person. Doing the little things right and not taking shortcuts.

“She’s never forgotten, that’s for sure. It’s a sad thing to go through and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Beale knows his mum will be watching on. Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

Beale now wants to help others struggling to overcome the loss of loved ones by offering guidance or advice where he can.

“I know a few of the boys, and other people that I have met, that have gone through similar experiences,” he said. “I have been through that experience.

“I try and help them deal with it. It’s something I like to do. I know what they are going through and how hard it can be. I always try and learn from things. You can relate to people who have been through it.”

In the ANZ Stadium stands on Sunday will be Beale’s father Michael. The pair have always been close but their bond has strengthened further since Laurise’s passing.

“My dad is pumped, he certainly loves his footy,” Beale said.

“It will be good to have him there, he has done a lot for me when I was a kid, driving me around and making sure I did my training.”

The Sharks centre will be leaning on his family this weekend. Picture: Brett Costello

The classy centre lent heavily on his dad, and rugby league, during the sad times.

And also watching proudly will be Beale’s wife, Roimata, and his three kids, Nixon (3), Maxwell (2) and Matisse (10 months).

“Dad has just moved down to Tasmania — he is almost in Melbourne territory,” Beale said.

“My aunty moved down there. He went down there on holiday and fell in love with the place. Everyone says it’s a good place. I haven’t been there.”

Beale was born in Brisbane but has New Zealand heritage. Laurise was born on Chatham Island, a small island east of Christchurch.

“I did my schooling in Brisbane. My family still live in New Zealand, just my immediate family live in Brisbane,” Beale said. “This week I will certainly be thinking about them, especially Sunday.”

Beale and his Sharks teammates continue to enjoy the euphoric atmosphere buzzing around the Shire. Fans are excited and ready to break the club’s 50-year drought.

“All the fans, and everyone in the community, is really getting behind us, which is awesome. We are really soaking up the week,” Beale said.