My apologies if this has been posted already..
Beale offered RL deals
PlanetRugby, Sunday 16th December 2007
Waratahs fly-half Kurtley Beale in demand
There is a distinct possibility that one of Australia's brightest young talents, Kurtley Beale, could defect to Rugby League in 2009.
Beale's management company, the Horton-Ella group whose co-managers are Rob Horton and Glen Ella, confirmed on Sunday that it had been contacted by five League teams already.
"The clubs have made contact with us - and I stress they've contacted us - but all we are asking is that they put their offers in writing," Horton told Rugby Heaven.
"There's a lot of interest. Five clubs have made it clear they want him on their books. We will obviously be advising Kurtley on what we think is best for him," added Horton.
Beale has reportedly been offered $500,000 and the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), which is understandably concerned, has sought urgent talks with his management team.
The fly-half's current ARU contract with the Waratahs expires at the end of 2008, which further fuels the speculation that he might in fact make a move to League.
"The ARU and the Waratahs have contacted us to make it clear they intend to sign Kurtley to a long-term deal," Horton said.
Beale, who was rated the best player in Australian Rugby Championships (ARC) earlier this year, is believed to be the future of Australian rugby and former Wallaby coach John Connolly feels it would be a great loss if he were to accept the offers.
"No one has achieved what he has at his age," Connolly said.
"His is a phenomenal achievement. He's got a very bright future. There are some very good players coming through and he is at the top of the tree.
However, Connolly is not entirely convinced that the National Rugby League (NRL) teams that have made offers to Beale are willing to pay such a substantial amount for his services
