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Beale's hamstring a concern

Melbourne - Star Rebels recruit Kurtley Beale is in danger of missing their trial matches with hamstring-related problems with his body unable to handle the increased training workload ahead of the Super Rugby season.

Beale and fellow Wallaby James O'Connor were expected to turn out in Rebels colours for the first time next Friday night in their opening trial against the Chiefs in Geelong.

But Beale, who was in Frankston on Wednesday to coach and speak with a large group of indigenous youths, didn't sound too convinced he would play.

He said he was taking every precaution to ensure he would be fit for Melbourne's first competition match, against his old team NSW Waratahs on March 3 at AAMI Park which followed their opening round bye.

"The hammy coming along really well, it's the body that's not reacting as well and as strong as I'd like," the 23-year-old fullback said.

"The loading has been pretty intense so I've got to ease my way back into it and really recover after some long sessions.

"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.

"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."

Beale initially damaged his hamstring in Australia's Rugby World Cup quarter-final match against South Africa in early October, and then reinjured it early in the bronze-medal game.

He said there were no tears or strains, it was just his poor recovery from training that was the concern.

Beale's clinic was the first step in his plan to connect with Victoria's indigenous and disadvantaged youths - something the Rebels used to lure him to Melbourne.

He said he wanted to be a role model for such youths.

"The more I get out here, the more they understand who I am and where I came from and after that it's hoping they can learn from my path."

Beale, who grew up in Mount Druitt in Sydney's west before winning a scholarship to famed rugby nursery St Josephs, told the youths about making the right choices.

"It's important for young indigenous or young Pacific Islander kids to be able to knuckle down and strive for their goals and not get too caught up with what's stopping them.

"At the end of the day time flies and that missed opportunity might cost you."

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