Kurtley Beale’s big Wallabies call as he prepares for First Nations and Pasifika game v the Lions

Two weeks after tweaking his hamstring and pulling out of a clash to face the Lions, Kurtley Beale is back – and with a message for Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.

Wallabies veteran Kurtley Beale hasn’t given up hope of representing Australia again at Test level, but first he wants to honour his culture with a strong performance for the First Nations and Pasifika side against the Lions on July 22.

The 36-year-old tweaked a hamstring and pulled out of the Western Force’s tour match against the Lions two weeks ago in order to be fully fit for the historic First Nations and Pasifika game.

Beale revealed he has spoken to Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt and is in talks to extend his stay at the Force for another season.

The First Nations and Pasifika team will be coached by Toutai Kefu, Glen Ella, Tana Umaga and Sekope Kepu and is not only an opportunity for Beale to represent his culture, but offers him the chance to prove he can still play top flight rugby.

When asked to confirm his intention to once again break into the national side, Beale was unequivocal.

“Absolutely, brother,” he said. “I didn’t want to say it too much, but the ambition is there. It would be fantastic and another amazing achievement.

Kurtley Beale in Wallabies camp last year. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself though, and the First Nations and Pasifika match is a really special occasion.

“Rugby and my culture are my two biggest passions, so to be able to represent both on the biggest stage, is pretty special.”

Beale hasn’t played a Test since late 2021, but was drafted into Schmidt’s Wallabies squad last year, before he was sidelined with a ruptured Achilles.

He wasn’t included in the squad to play Fiji last weekend, but revealed he has spoken with Schmidt since playmaker Noah Lolesio was ruled out of the Lions series.

Beale last played for the Wallabies in 2021. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Either Tom Lynagh or Ben Donaldson will replace Lolesio, with James O’Connor called up to the Wallabies squad on Friday.

But Beale is still hopeful of playing Test footy again too.

“I’ve spoken to Joe multiple times and he knows where I stand and he understands my versatility as well,” Beale said. “As a player, you always put your hand up for the national team – it’s the highest honour – and I feel I can still have an influence at that level.

“It’s a long Test calendar as well, but in saying that, I’m sure I’m in the same boat as every other Australian player who wants to don the Wallabies jersey.

“You just keep the body right and be ready if you’re called upon. It’s something I’ve thought about and am keen to do.

“But my focus now is purely on the First Nations match. I’m going to try and showcase my abilities there, and who knows what can happen after that.”

Now in his 18th year in professional rugby after bursting onto the scene as a livewire playmaker out of St Joseph’s in Sydney, there’s not much Beale hasn’t seen.

He never thought he’d be in a position to play against the Lions in such an important game though.

“I didn’t think this opportunity would come around,” he said.

“It’s an amazing chance to represent the Indigenous communities of Australia and the Pasifika communities that come across and call Australia home.

“To represent our families and our cultures on the biggest stage, while playing rugby, I know the guys are really excited.

Beale has always represented his culture. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“I’ll hopefully have a bit of influence around our attack, and I’ve spoken to Tana Umaga – who’s one of the greats of the game – and Glen Ella as well.

“They’re two great attacking minds and we’ve been chatting about how we can adapt a strategy to cut up the Lions.”

Beale is one of just 15 Indigenous Wallabies and has been a leading voice in pushing for more representation at the highest levels for more than a decade.

“It’s definitely developed over time,” he said of rugby’s push for inclusion.

“I was involved with the first Wallabies Indigenous jersey, and Michael Cheika understood the importance of that and how big it could be.

“But it’s slow steps, mate. We are acknowledging, and allowing the opportunity to have representation at the highest level.

“I think the game has done a fantastic job of doing that, and this First Nations and Pasifika team is another step forward.

“Hopefully we can lay the platform for the next generation and for these young kids to have the opportunity to play the game one day.”