Beale feeling a little hamstrung

Published: Thursday, 26. January, 2012 in category Australia

Melbourne Rebels ace Kurtley Beale is still nursing the hamstring injury he picked up at the World Cup.

The Wallaby fullback revealed that his hamstring has still been giving him some trouble during the intense pre-season training the Rebels have done ahead of the new Super Rugby season.

The 23-year-old's hamstring is stable, but every precaution is been taken to ensure he doesn't injury himself again before the all important opening round match against the Waratahs.

"The hammy's coming along really well. It's the body that's not reacting as well and as strong as I'd like," Beale told AAP.

"Some guys react to different training loads and for me, it's unfortunate that I'm not really reacting as promisingly as I'd like.

Beale's hamstring issues mean that he is unlikely to play in any of the trail matches against the Chiefs, Blues and Crusaders.

"We'll see how we go because the trials are just trials and the main focus for me is to get fully fit for round two against the Waratahs."

Rebels coach Damien Hill said Beale and fellow star recruit James O'Connor would not be rushed into the action.

"Ideally for us we could use the time with them on the field to develop combinations but realistically we've got to take into consideration the condition of their bodies so that will take priority," Hill explained.