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Just for one match this time!
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10882575
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10882575
Melbourne Rebels fullback Kurtley Beale has been suspended by the Super 15 team just one match after returning from a month-long ban for an alcohol-fueled altercation with two teammates.
The Rebels said in a statement Thursday that Beale, 24, would not play in Saturday's match against the Blues in Auckland because he had "breached behavioral guidelines ... which were agreed to in full by Kurtley. The relevant parties will meet to discuss any future course of action.''
No official reason was given for the ban, although Australian Associated Press reported that Beale had admitted to team officials that he drank alcohol with some teammates last Saturday. He also was reported to have missed an appointment with a psychologist as part of his continuing counseling sessions.
Beale, who had still hoped to play for Australia against the British and Irish Lions in three tests in June and July, had missed the previous six games; first through a broken hand and then the suspension for his drunken altercations in late March after a Rebels match in South Africa.
After undergoing counseling for a month, he returned to training on April 30 and was named as a reserve a day later.
He came off the bench to score a try in the Rebels' 39-33 loss to the Chiefs last weekend.
After the Chiefs match, Melbourne coach Damien Hill said he planned to put Beale back into the starting side against the Blues.
"He was electric, he added so much to our attack,'' Hill said.
On Thursday, Hill said he was disappointed with Beale's most recent actions.
"You can't shy away from the fact that he is one of the best footballers in the country,'' Hill said. ``It's just unfortunate that the behavioral side is interfering with that at the moment.''
Hill said Beale was remorseful and felt he'd let his teammates and himself down. He said time would tell if Beale ever plays for the Rebels again.
"It's probably too early to comment on that,'' Hill said. ``Everybody wants a fit and healthy Kurtley on and off the field so he can perform. It's a work in progress and there's a lot more to be done.''
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