Australia
Ewen McKenzie confident about Folau and Beale
July 21, 2014
Ewen McKenzie believes Kurtley Beale will remain a rugby union player © Getty Images
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Ewen McKenzie is unconcerned about the constant speculation concerning high-profile Wallabies Israel Folau and Kurtley Beale, expressing confidence in the attraction of the Test team and their "style of footy" because "the grass always looks greener on the other side but if you go you've got to make sure you're enjoying yourself".

Folau sparked rumours concerning his future after he met National Rugby League head of football Todd Greenberg while Beale is subject of reports that his is looking to join Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. And Greg Growden reported in Ruck'n Maul on Friday that Sydney Roosters, Toulon and Japanese clubs were also "hovering" and with McKenzie "unlikely to use Beale as a starting player in upcoming Tests, the growing feeling is that the player will depart the rugby ranks".

But McKenzie said in an exclusive interview with News Corp that he was sure the Australian Rugby Union would "get an outcome" with Beale.

"He looks like he's enjoying his football, the guy is pretty positive and he's making a difference, so that's a good scenario," McKenzie told News Corp. "He's been pretty open and honest about wanting to start [for the Wallabies]; that's fantastic. You don't want people to be happy coming off the bench. I know he wants to be the starting No.10, he told me that from the start; that's good."

McKenzie said he had already "nailed my colours to the mast" with his Wallabies squad, saying "we picked a couple of 10s" to play France recently and Beale "was one of them".

"It comes down to form, but he's certainly in the mix. He was in the mix prior to the French series."

Australia's Israel Folau makes a break, Australia v France, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, June 7, 2014
Israel Folau is the highest-profile rugby player in Australia © Getty Images
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McKenzie said also that he had "no indication from [Folau] or the people around him that he's looking to change course".

Folau played down reports he was considering his future, saying of his meeting with Greenberg, "it was his birthday ... I just wanted to have a coffee with him", and McKenzie said "I understand how he ticks, how he's set up family wise".

"There's always going to be opportunities around," McKenzie said. "In the end you have to say to yourself, 'Do I need to need to change, or is my life all right?'."

McKenzie said he was also looking forward to Quade Cooper re-committing to Australian rugby once the Queensland reds playmaker has recovered from his shoulder injury.

"He is a one-club guy and remained faithful. Regardless of what you read, he's still here and at the same club, so I don't worry about that either.

"He, Kurtley, they're all very competitive. I'd like to think, from my perspective, that players are seeing a style of footy and opportunity opening up that we can get out there and achieve things that they haven't been able to do to date."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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