Despite playing limited minutes for the Sharks in recent weeks New Zealand selectors have shown the faith in Gerard Beale by selecting him to replace Peter Hiku in the Kiwi side to play Australia in Newcastle on Friday night.
Beale has come off the bench for the majority of the season until being thrust into the Sharks starting side for the match against the Broncos on Sunday.
Impressive down the left for the Sharks, Beale created a try for Sosaia Feki with a neat off-load and was strong throughout against the competition-leading Brisbane side.
Having played seven Tests for New Zealand, his last coming at the 2014 Four Nations Tournament, Beale’s experience in international matches is set to be a bonus for Kiwi coach Steven Kearney with the short preparation time until the Friday night kick off.
Beale’s inclusion will see him come face-to-face with his Sharks skipper Paul Gallen who has been named as prop in the Australian team.
The Kiwi team to tackle the Kangaroos is listed below. The playing line-up will be named on Tuesday.
Adam Blair Brisbane Broncos
Jesse Bromwich Melbourne Storm
Lewis Brown Manly Sea Eagles
Greg Eastwood Canterbury Bulldogs
Alex Glenn Brisbane Broncos
Tohu Harris Melbourne Storm
Gerard Beale Cronulla Sharks
Shaun Johnson NZ Warriors
Jordan Kahu Brisbane Broncos
Shaun Kenny-Dowall Sydney Roosters
Manu Ma’u Parramatta Eels
Sam Moa Sydney Roosters
Jason Nightingale St George Dragons
Kodi Nikorima Brisbane Broncos
Kevin Proctor Melbourne Storm
Jason Taumalolo North Queensland Cowboys
Martin Taupau Manly Sea Eagles
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak Penrith Panthers
Danny Levi (19th man) Newcastle Knights
