Kurtley Beale endured a mixed year for the Rebels and the Waratahs © Getty Images

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Kurtley Beale feels lucky to have been given a fresh start by New South Wales Waratahs, saying after witnessing the plight of James O'Connor that he has learned "from the things I've done in the past".

Beale experienced a tumultuous year, which included two suspensions by Melbourne Rebels and being photographed alongside O'Connor in a fast-food restaurant at 4am just days before the second Test against the British & Irish Lions, and he has vowed to follow through with changes he's made to improve his life off the field.

The sidelined Wallabies star is recovering from a shoulder reconstruction, and he is on track to resume contact work in January to press his claim for the Waratahs No.10 jersey.

O'Connor had his Australian Rugby Union (ARU) contract torn up for disciplinary issues, and was unwanted back at the Rebels next season, leaving a return to the Western Force - and a big pay cut - his only Australian rugby option. The strong action taken by the ARU shows their patience has finally run out with a perceived brat culture element that's has destabilised the Wallabies in recent years, and Beale says "I'm lucky the position I'm in now and I'm excited".

Beale has signed a one-year deal to return to the Waratahs, where he made his Super Rugby debut in 2007, and the star playmaker feels being back in Sydney with them can help him rebuild his career.

"I've learned from the things I've done in the past," he said. "I'd rather get them out of the way now than down the track when I guess it would be too late. Without going through those experiences I wouldn't be able to find out what I need to improve on. Coming back to the Tahs, it's an awesome bunch of blokes ... they show a lot of care and I'm grateful for the support."

Beale, 24, spent two weeks in a rehabilitation centre for alcohol-related issues, after an incident in South Africa where he was involved in a punch up with two Rebels teammates. He said he's had to change some things off the field to ensure he doesn't go off the rails again.

"Everyone goes through life and you've got to tweak a few things here and there, and I'm no different," he said. "I'm going to stick to what I know best. I'm very thankful I've got through it now and I'm feeling very confident that with the support around me I'm able to go out there and live my life."

Beale spoke to O'Connor as recently as Tuesday night, and he hopes his friend will stay in Australian rugby. "He's keeping a few things to himself at the moment, which is fair enough," he said. "He's obviously going through a tough time."

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika, meanwhile, won't be "holding Beale's hand" as he wants his marquee signing to take control of his life and be his own man. "To be honest, I'm worried about my own headspace let alone others'," Cheika said. "I'm not going to muck around with that stuff. He's a man. He can make his decisions. Take responsibilities like everyone else, and get on with it."