Gerard Beale back in the NRL with St George Illawarra Dragons

Former New Zealand international Gerard Beale is back in the NRL with St George Illawarra Dragons.

The 30-year-old centre has linked up with the Dragons, who he played for in 2013-14, for the remainder of the NRL season. He has most recently been playing for Brisbane Tigers in the Queensland Cup.

Beale has made 196 first-grade appearances for Brisbane Broncos, Cronulla Sharks, New Zealand Warriors and the Dragons. He has won 11 caps for New Zealand and played in the 2017 World Cup.

Dragons general manager of football Ben Haran said: “Gerard is a highly respected figure in our game. To sign someone of Gerard’s character was an important factor in his recruitment.

“Gerard’s experience across his 12-year NRL career will be a handy addition to our club for the remainder of the season, given also the amount of young outside backs we have within our top squad currently.

“We have signed Gerard to a training contract in light of the injuries and suspensions our squad is currently faced with.

“As of this week, NRL clubs are allowed to draw upon players outside of their Top 30 to play first-grade.”