Western Force legend Kurtley Beale is excited to finally get his second shot at the British & Irish Lions after being named captain of the First Nations Pasifika squad.
Beale will lead the team out on Tuesday in Melbourne against the Lions, named for a rare appearance at flyhalf as one of ten internationally capped players.
“It's a huge honour to be able to represent the team…there’s some classy players and some real talent there and to be able to lead them onto the park against the Lions on Tuesday is an absolute privilege and a huge honour," Beale told the media.
“I will mention that all the boys are leaders in their own right. I think, as we alluded to, there's a really good balance to the squad, and we've got some experienced players, and we're all leading our own areas.
“It’s a huge honour and just an exciting opportunity to go against the Lions on Tuesday."
Coach Toutai Kefu believes Beale was an obvious choice to lead the side, having experienced facing the Lions with the Wallabies in 2013.
“We've picked probably the most experienced team that's going to run out and Kurtley is the most experienced player there so I think he’ll do a wonderful job," he said.
“There's some young talent in there as well, which I'm really, really excited about and I think they deserve a run…there are some exciting you players coming off the bench that I'm looking forward to watching as well."
Beale was denied a shot at the Lions to start the tour with the Western Force after a hamstring injury forced his late withdrawal.
However, the former Rebel and Waratah insists he is good to go and relishes the atmosphere that awaits the two teams at Marvel Stadium.
“It's all coming along really well. Training's been good, being put through our paces so building nicely to the game," Beale reassured.
“Marvel Stadium, the roof will probably be closed and it’s only going to make the noise even louder and as a young kid, especially being a First Nations, Pasifika boy, these are the opportunities you dream of and I know the boys are really excited for that one.”
Beale starts at ten for the first time since the Rugby Championship in 2018, admitting it's taken some time to get used to being back in the primary playmaking role.
"It's been a real eye opener, but I guess having the guys around me with the good communication really helps my job," he added.
"I'm really hoping with the full pack that we have that we'll be able to dominate up front and hopefully get some good platform to use our speed out wide."
FIRST NATIONS PASIFIKA XV TEAM TO FACE LIONS
*(Name, cultural heritage, mob/village/tribe):
1. Lington Ieli (Fiji, Uma & Tabiang, Rabi)
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Samoa & Māori, Ngāti Porou, Te Rarawa, Fasito'outa
3. Taniela Tupou (Tonga, Vaini)
4. Darcy Swain (Samoa, Falelatai)
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Samoa, Faleula, Lepea, Faleapuna)
6. Seru Uru (Fiji, Namoli)
7. Charlie Gamble (Tonga, Neiafu, Vava'u)
8. Tuaina Taii Tualima (Samoa, Lauli'I, Falealupo)
9. Kalani Thomas (Māori, Ngāpuhi)
10. Kurtley Beale (C) (First Nations, Darug)
11. Filipo Daugunu (Fiji, Lakeba, Saqani)
12. David Feliuai (Samoa, Pu'apu'a, Samalae'ulu)
13. Lalakai Foketi (Māori & Tonga, Longomapu, Vava'u , Tainui, Maniapoto)
14. Triston Reilly (First Nations, Dunghutti, Wiradjuri)
15. Andy Muirhead (First Nations, Barunggam)
Replacements:
16. Richie Asiata (Samoa, Fasito'o, Satupa'itea, Saleimoa)
17. Marley Pearce (Māori & First Nations, Wardandi Noongar, Tainui)
18. Mesake Doge (Fiji, Daku, Nadogo, Mocuta)
19. Mesake Vocevoce (Fiji, Narewa, Nadi)
20. Rob Leota (Samoa, Avau, Samatau)
21. Harrison Goddard (First Nations, Darug , Murawari)
22. Jack Debreczeni (Cook Islands, Takitimu Titikaveka)
23, Jarrah McLeod (First Nations, Yuin)
