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Randwick coach Stephen Hoiles said “there is no doubt” Kurtley Beale was ready to play Super Rugby Pacific after the Wallabies veteran made an emotional return to the game on Saturday.
Beale, who was cleared of rape charges in February, started at No.10 for Randwick in their 25-18 loss to Brothers in the Australian Club Championship in Brisbane.
The 35-year-old decided to take the field with a black arm band despite the death of younger brother William on Thursday night.
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“In all honesty, he played 50 minutes and was probably the most dangerous looking player on the field,” Hoiles said on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.
“Excellent, sharp, fit, fast. And he needed that – he had a very, very tough week. Condolences to his family.
“He just got cleared to play on the Monday and then sadly lost his brother on Thursday night. So we weren’t sure until right up until kickoff if he’d play. But, yeah, he was really, really good on the field for Randwick.”
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Rugby Australia rules state that Beale could only join a Super Rugby team as an injury replacement player but Morgan Turinui said they could easily bend those if they wanted to.
Randwick and Waratahs winger Triston Reilly said NSW would welcome Beale back with open arms and Hoiles said he was ready.
“There is no doubt,” Hoiles said.
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“Don’t even get me started on that. He just had a spark about him.
“He wanted to stay on it. I just thought a 35-year-old who hasn’t played for 15 months, probably didn’t need 80 minutes.
“I almost tore a hammy watching him.”
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