St George Illawarra have moved to resolve an injury and suspension crisis, signing former New Zealand representative Gerard Beale.
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The experienced outside back will return to Wollongong seven years after he last played for the Dragons.
In that time, Beale was a member of the Sharks squad during their 2016 premiership before seemingly ending his NRL career with the Warriors.
The 30-year-old announced his first grade retirement last year and had spent this season playing Queensland Cup for the Brisbane Tigers.
Beale has played 194 games in the NRL, including 30 for St George Illawarra in 2013 and 2014.
His return comes as the Dragons battle a growing list of unavailable outside backs, Mikaele Ravalawa and Matt Dufty the latest to join a group that includes Zac Lomax, Mat Feagai and Brayden Williame.
While signed to a training contract, NRL rules enable clubs to pick players outside the top 30 from round 11 onward. That means Beale will be available for selection for St George Illawarra's clash with one of his former teams, Cronulla, on Friday night.
Dragons general manager Ben Haran said the veteran will provide much-needed depth to the squad.
"Gerard is a highly respected figure in our game. To sign someone of Gerard's character was an important factor in his recruitment," Haran said.
"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."
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