Leeds lifeline for Beale
Jessica Wauchop
FORMER Gisborne netballer Rachel Beale has been given the chance of a lifetime — playing for Leeds Carnegie in the English Super League championship.
The Brits came calling for the 1.85-metre goal keep/goal defender last month and Beale, 25, left for the UK today to prepare for their first pre-season game this weekend.
The call from Leeds came at the perfect time, as Beale was looking for a challenge.
She was a member of the 2008 Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic ANZ Championship side, but was not picked up by a team for this season despite being the best player in the Waikato provincial team.
“My job was getting a bit repetitive,” Beale said.
“I learned heaps playing in the ANZ Championship but I wasn’t getting any court time and was at the point where I was thinking of trying another sport. I was at a standstill really.
“Leeds approached Waikato Netball looking for a defender and they suggested me. They checked out my profile and when they called they said they wanted me in the UK within a week.”
The English Super League is similar to the ANZ Championship, with nine teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
It includes top English players Sonia Mkoloma, Pamela Cookey and Geva Mentor.
Beale’s flights to the UK and her accommodation are all paid for by the Leeds club and she will be paid for every game she plays.
“It’s going to be a new experience. I am kind of going over blind. I didn’t even know where Leeds was before they called.
“I don’t have any idea who is in my team . . . all I know is there is a Jamaican and an Australian.
“It is a different style of play apparently . . . so that will be good for me, just the challenge I need. Hopefully I get some good game time. I don’t want to go all that way to sit on the bench.”
Beale has huge support from her parents, Jim and Sherrill, and brothers Simon – who captains the Waikato rugby league team – and Hayden – who plays football in Australia’s Queensland State League.
“I’m really excited and can’t wait to go,” she said.
“I can’t wait for the challenge, but at the same time I hate goodbyes.
“I hesitated for one second when I got the call, because I don’t like the thought of doing three winters, but I texted Mum and Dad and my brother and they all told me I would be stupid not to go.
“I have had great support from my parents. They don’t have the same banks in the UK and I didn’t know how to deal with that so Mum and Dad came up at the weekend and took over that side of things.
“Living with my brother Simon has been great, too. I train with him and he gives me programmes to do.”
Beale’s first league game will be on December 12, with the competition running through until May 15.
“My biggest worry will be the winter. I am definitely a summer girl, especially coming from Gisborne, and spending Christmas Day over there without the family and the sun will be tough.
“But it is going to be an awesome experience. I get a two or three-week break over New Year so hopefully I will be able to go to France and have a look around.”