Gerard Beale is hopeful that although this weekend's game might be his last for the New Zealand, it won't be his last game as a professional.
Beale, 30, hasn't played since round eight against the Roosters, but is set to make a return this weekend.
Beale is getting his chance back in the team as the Eels wouldnโt release loan player George Jennings for the game and Patrick Herbert is injured.
With both likely to return for the final three games of the season, this could be Beale's final game with the club.
Beale has had two significant injuries in recent times which has immensely affected his output. In the 2017 World Cup, he fractured his leg while representing New Zealand.
In 2019, he fractured his knee cap leading into this season and hasn't been able to get himself right.
After falling out of favour with interim coach Tom Payten, Beale said not playing again has crossed his mind, but is looking forward to playing this weekend.
โIt did cross my mind,โ Beale toldย Stuff.ย
โBut Iโm lucky I get to go back out there this week, which is good and Iโm looking forward to it.โ
Beale added that although it's been tough, he's been ready to step in whenever he could.
โIt is hard, but in saying that, there are other players in the squad that arenโt getting an opportunity,โ he said.
โBut youโve got to stay ready and when the opportunity presents itself, you jump straight into it.โ
With the Warriors opting to go with a youth movement, Payten told Beale that was the main reason for him not being selected, something the veteran would just have to accept.
โIt was a tricky one,โ he said.
โHe did have a conversation, he wanted to give some of the younger boys a run and credit to those boys, because theyโve got tremendous talent and theyโre certainly showing what they can do. Itโs a tough one, but itโs the environment weโre in.โ
Beale is hopeful that he can continue his football career after the completion of this season.
โIโm still open and going through that now,โ he said.
โIโm still keen to keep playing. I supposed itโs a tricky situation and itโs not like any other year because thereโs a lot going on.
โIโm also taking a look into whatโs next for Gerard Beale past football. It is getting close, but hopefully not just yet.โ
