Kurtley Beale says his injured elbow is on track to recover on time for the New South Wales Waratahs' opening Super Rugby game for 2018.
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The 29-year-old hyperextended his elbow in a "freak accident at training" earlier this season, forcing out him of the Brisbane Rugby Tens tournament.
However, Beale made a return to the field in the Waratahs' 47-5 trial defeat of the Rebels on Thursday and says the injury is progressing nicely.
"The elbow's pulling up pretty well at the moment," Beale said.
"Obviously you've got to keep looking after it, I'm making sure I'm doing everything right so I can be able to get out on the pitch and have full confidence in it.
"It was a bit of a freakish accident at training, hyperextension of the elbow, you get caught up in all different posiitions when you're out there on the pitch.
'It's a bit of a setback, but I got through the trial against the Rebels really well."
"I can see the attitude, I can see the work ethic."
— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) February 20, 2018
Since returning to the sky blue, KB has been impressed by the young pups in the squad.#WARvSTO tix 👉 https://t.co/IU2yCY5zGk#ForTheLoveOfRugby pic.twitter.com/I4nLl2fWOd
Beale has played 71 Tests for Australia to add to his 124 Super Rugby caps for the Waratahs and the Rebels.
He also had a short stint at the London Wasps before returning to the Waratahs for the 2018 season.
Beale also says he's improved his decision-making ability over the course of his career and isn't the same flashy player he once was when he started out.
The Waratahs outside back says he's realised the effect a 'big play' can have on the team.
"I feel like I don't have that spark or kind of sprinkle at the moment," Beale said.
"As I've grown into my career, picking when to do the big play and when not to, I've certainly realised the impact of trying to do a big play on the team.
"If it doesn't come off you can put pressure on the team.
"I feel like i'm now a player that can help manage the game."
The Waratahs will face the Stormers on Saturday evening at Allianz Stadium to kick-off their 2018 campaign.
