Beale: Counting Down The Days

St George Illawarra Dragons fullback Gerard Beale is counting down the days until he dons the famous Red V jersey for the first time against the North Queensland Cowboys at Barlow Park, Cairns on Saturday.

The New Zealand international is part of a 25-man squad who have travelled to the far north Queensland city for a week-long camp ahead of the opening trial fixture.

The Red-and-Whites have been training daily to help condition themselves for the warmer climate whilst also honing in their ball skills ahead of the fixture.

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TRAINING: Click through for a full training gallery from this morning

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The Dragons have additionally been visiting schools throughout the Cairns community helping to deliver Community Carnival School Blitz message on tackling bullying.

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Click through to see the full list of the 25-man squad currently training in Cairns

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“I’m pretty excited it being the first game for the Dragons and it’s a good chance for us all to start coming together on the field as a team,” said Beale.

“Cairns is a nice place and I know all the boys are happy to be training in the warmer conditions that we’ve all been adapting to this week.

“It’s been a long pre-season but now it’s time for game time and I just can’t wait to get out there and play.

“Getting out and being involved with the kids in the Cairns community is also something that we’ve all definitely enjoyed.

“It’s a strong rugby league area and all the kids have taken on board the message of not bullying others.”