NRL: Too much Aussie talent for Kiwis joy, says Beale

Gerard Beale (centre) at the New Zealand Kiwis Rugby League training. Photo / Greg Bowker

Kiwis backline utility Gerard Beale says the team can't take too much joy out of Jarryd Hayne's withdrawal from the Kangaroos' Four Nations squad.

Hayne's decision to leave the NRL has stunned the league world but Beale is not buying into talk that the Kangaroos will be weakened as a result, with Hayne's decision to try his luck in the NFL sure to open the door for yet another rising Australian star.

"I guess that's certainly a positive for us, the Kiwis, but you know there's that much depth in the Aussie side that whoever fills his spot is definitely going to step up and will provide just as much to the team," Beale said.

"We can't look at it as a positive for us because Australia are going to be just as strong."

Beale learned of Hayne's code-switch just before starting a training session with the Sydney-based members of the Kiwis squad yesterday and said the huge media attention surrounding the star fullback's announcement was understandable.

"It's not common and hasn't really happened before, with someone of his stature in the game, so it certainly is a shock to people. He's got the ability. You see what he can do out on the footy field. If he really knuckles down and gives it all he can it will be good to see him do well."

Meanwhile, Beale is looking forward to getting stuck into the Four Nations campaign following a disappointing end to the NRL season with the St George-Illawarra Dragons.

The 24-year-old has not played since the Dragons' final round 40-10 defeat to Newcastle which consigned the Red V to an 11th-place season finish, but is excited at the prospect of adding to his six international appearances in the black jersey.

Beale was evasive when asked about rumours linking him to an approach from the Warriors.

"I'm not too sure what's going on there but I just leave that to my manager and let him take care of the business side of things."

His contract "finishes next year so I'm still a Dragon for now. I haven't really thought of it. I'll just wait and see what happens".