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Kiwi Premiership-winning international Gerard Beale has posted a heartfelt message on social media to end his career.
The Warriors veteran announced that he would be leaving him on Instagram after a 12-year NRL career highlighted for his role in Cronulla’s historic big win over Melbourne in 2016.
After making his debut in Brisbane in 2009, he played 63 games for the Broncos over four seasons before making 30 appearances in a two-season stop at St George Illawarra.
Beale joined the Sharks in 2015, racking up 71 games for the club, including the decider of the 2016 first division, coming off the bench in the second half when winger Sosaia Feki was injured.
He joined the Warriors in 2018, adding another 32 games to his account to end his career with 194 at the Telstra Premiership level.
Beale also represented the Kiwis 11 times in the testing arena.
In his farewell post, he wrote: “END OF AN ERA! Wow! What a journey the last 12 years have been. Many have only dreamed of playing for the NRL let alone playing for 12 years.
“I will be eternally grateful to the many people I have met throughout my career. To my mom and dad for the time they spent taking me to all my training and games when I was young, to the Broncos who gave me the opportunity to debut. “. In 2009, to the dragons, sharks and warriors, and to all the coaches, managers and teammates that I have come across, I thank you!
“Throughout my career I have been through everything, injury after injury, setback after setback. I had moments of doubt, but I kept going. Mentally it was difficult but also rewarding. I am proud that in these 12 years in total the injuries and the setbacks I persevered and was able not only to continue playing, but to win a first place, to represent my culture and my country.
“With all that said, and as emotional as this decision was. I am proud to announce my retirement from the NRL.”
Beale thanked his wife Roi and their children for “riding this emotional roller coaster with me.”
“You have always put my dream of playing in the NRL before yours, I am and will always be grateful! I am excited for the next chapter with all of you by my side.”
Beale hinted that although his NRL career was coming to an end, he might appear in the Intrust Super Cup next year.
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