Gerard Beale and Kyle Stanley join the Cronulla Sharks

CRONULLA STATEMENT:

Kiwi international Gerard Beale and former Dragons and current Samoan utility Kyle Stanley have both agreed to join the Sharks ahead of the 2015 season.

The 24-year-old Beale was released from the final year of his contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons and has signed a three-year deal with the Sharks, while Stanley has come on board for the 2015 season.

Beale is a quality outside back, capable of playing in the centres, on the wing or at fullback, with Stanley an extremely handy utility with experience in a number of positions.

Stanley most recently filled the role of half back for the Samoan team during the Four Nations, while Beale played on the wing for New Zealand in their first round victory over Australia in the same Four Nations tournament some four weeks ago.

After completing his duties with the Kiwis Beale met with Cronulla officials and coaching staff before enjoying a tour of the facilities and signing his new contract with the club.

"The Sharks are a club on the rise and I'm excited about this opportunity and to playing with them over the next three seasons," Beale said. "Add to that I've been living in the area for a little while now, my family is happy and settled and I'm really looking forward to the next few years."

After debuting for the Broncos in 2009 Beale would go on to play 63 games for the Brisbane club before joining the Dragons in 2013.

A knee injury restricted his appearances in his first season at the Dragons however in returning to full fitness played in all 24 games for St George Illawarra in 2014, scoring 11 tries. He has played in 92 NRL games in all, crossing for 31 tries.

Beale has also played in seven Test Matches for New Zealand.

Former Endeavour Sports High student Kyle Stanley follows his ex-Dragons teammate Beale to the Sharks, with his versatility set to be a handy commodity at Coach Shane Flanagan's disposal next season. Stanley has previously filled the centre, five eighth, fullback and hooker roles in his 46 games in the top grade.

Just 23 years of age, Stanley has plenty to offer in the NRL after overcoming a difficult run with injury since debuting with the Dragons as a teenager back in 2010. Stanley enjoyed a productive back end of 2014, one which saw him play all three pool matches for the Toa Samoa squad in the recently completed Four Nations tournament.

Coach Flanagan welcomed the pair to the Sharks and was confident they could both make a major contribution to the club.

"With Gerard it is exciting to be adding a player to our roster with his speed and skill, someone who is a test player and can cover a few different positions for us in the outside backs," Flanagan said. "As for Kyle, he has versatility, can play multiple positions and he gained some valuable experience with Samoa at an international level in the Four Nations.

"I'm sure we haven't seen the best of him yet due to a bad run with injury but that is behind him and I can see 2015 being be a big year for Kyle."

Now taking a well-earned break after completing the Four Nations with New Zealand and Samoa respectively, Beale and Stanley are expected to begin training with the Sharks in the coming weeks.  

Source: sharks.com.au

DRAGONS STATEMENT:

The St George Illawarra Dragons have granted Gerard Beale a formal release from his current playing contract.

Beale has been granted an early release to take-up a multi-year opportunity with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

Beale made his first-grade debut for the Club in opening round of the 2013 campaign against the Melbourne Storm and made 29 appearances in total.

"Gerard has been provided an opportunity to join the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks on a multi-year contact which he has accepted ahead of next season," said Head Coach Paul McGregor.

"The Dragons would like to thank him for his services to our Club and wish him the very best for his future."

Source: dragons.com.au