It has been a long journey back to the Super Rugby paddock for Kurtley Beale, with the 36-year-old set to make his long awaited return for the Western Force this weekend against the Blues.
The 95-capped Wallaby veteran looked right at home when he made his Force debut against the Crusaders in 2024 - until he sustained an Achilles injury in the Shute Shield following the completion of the season.
Watch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
So long was the recuperation, the star considered hanging up the boots for good.
"It was a long journey, very tough, isolating, a lot of thoughts were crossing my mind whether to hang them up," Beale told Rugby.com.au.
"There were some tough days where I considered retiring. But there was something burning inside me deep down to continue to play, finish on my terms, so to speak. Not every great player or any player gets to finish on their terms.
"I can't thank the Force enough for giving me the opportunity to be able to kind of do my rehab over in Perth and put me in a high performing program with Magic Mike, the rehab coach there.
"He's unbelievable, pushing me to my limits. Very testing, challenging, but very grateful. Those guys pushing you every day.
"My wife and my family [have] been probably the number one supporters. They see me facing a lot of doubt and they just give me the energy to get back up and put my dreams into reality."
Beale will be jumping straight back into the deep end this weekend, with the Force facing the Blues at Eden Park. The WA franchise has not beaten their Auckland counterparts since 2008 and have never tasted victory at the home of New Zealand Rugby, Eden Park.
Beale admitted he was feeling nervous, but excited about making his return at such a venue.
"I've had a long journey up until now, I'm just kind of just ready to be able to get out there and play with the lads and try and get that dub at Eden Park on Friday night against Auckland," he added."
"The Blues are a tough team. They're coming off some tough losses. They're the champions of last year.
"They're coming back home to the spiritual home of rugby, as they call it over here in New Zealand, Eden Park, so they'll be up and ready to go. It's going to be a tough match."
The Force copped a brutal loss against the Chiefs last week with Tom Horton joining a growing injury ward but with Nic White, Atu Moli and Jeremy Williams returning, Beale believes the side is firmly placed to spring an upset.
"Training this week's been awesome," Beale admitted.
"The guys have learned a lot of lessons against the Chiefs. They had a great first half, but the second half, there was so many lessons there that I feel like we've rectified through training.
"There's a really good energy around the group now, very focused.
"What an amazing opportunity to be able to face the Blues at their home ground, the Holy Grail of Eden Park, and try and get out there and get that dub."
