Kurtley Beale starred recently in a cameo against the Chiefs © Getty Images

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Kurtley Beale will have just one game to state his case for Wallabies selection in the first Test against the touring British & Irish Lions.

Beale opted to remain in Sydney to continue his rehabilitation from alcohol issues, and he will play with Randwick in the Shute Shield club premiership this weekend while his Melbourne Rebels team-mates face Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Beale is considered an outside chance to make the Wallabies despite his lack of rugby, not starting a game since round three, with coach Robbie Deans a big supporter. He is believed to have kept in peak shape while in a Sydney treatment facility for the past two weeks, but he must make an impact against Sydney University on Saturday as Randwick don't play again until the weekend after the final Australia squad is named on June 11.

Melbourne coach Damien Hill isn't sure if the off-contract Beale, tipped to join New South Wales Waratahs next season, will play for the Rebels again. The Rebels play the Reds this weekend then face Australian conference leaders the Brumbies on June 7 in Canberra. They have a game against the Lions on June 22, face the Brumbies in a "practice" game during their three-week lay-off then play a final Super Rugby match against the Highlanders in Melbourne on July 12.

"He's completed the first stage of the program and from all reports it's been completed successfully," Hill said. "He's going to stay with the family in Sydney because everyone agreed that's the most supportive environment for him to continue on with his program, and then we'll make an assessment after that."

Beale, 24, has played only four Super Rugby games for the Rebels this season, with a hand injury and then two suspensions ruining his season. In his absence, and injury to fellow Test star James O'Connor, Melbourne have unearthed another bright prospect in Bryce Hegarty, who joined the side from the Brisbane Broncos under-20 rugby league team.

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