Rugby: Deans hopeful Beale case will be resolved

Kurtley Beale. Photo / Getty Images

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says he hopes Kurtley Beale's common assault case can be settled out of court after the matter was adjourned on Tuesday.

The star fullback appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday in relation to the June 8 incident which occurred at a Brisbane nightspot.

Both parties have agreed to proceed with mediation which means the matter has been adjourned until August 22 and Beale will be free to face the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup opener four days prior in Sydney.

The ARU's independent disciplinary review procedure will not begin until the court process has been completed.

Deans said the step to mediation was a positive sign as he began Australia's Rugby Championship preparations on Tuesday with a training camp in Sydney.

"That's good. It's good to have that clear for now," said Deans of the development in Beale's case.

"There's still a shadow in the background but off the back of that you'd hope it will be resolved hopefully out of court.

"He's been working hard, he's got that rib injury but that's settled so he should be in good shape."

A preliminary training squad gathered to train at Leichhardt Oval on Tuesday, with Deans to name a second training squad for next week as well.

Following the two camps, Deans will settle on his final squad.

Ahead of back-to-back clashes with the All Blacks to begin the Rugby Championship, Deans is looking for inexperienced players to make the most of their time in camp in case they're called upon for the expanded tournament which also incorporates South Africa and Argentina.

Deans admits Queensland's elimination from the first round of the Super Rugby finals last weekend was a setback - with Australian players missing out on big-match opportunities.

However, Deans said the positive was his team would be fresh for the upcoming campaign and players would be injected into club rugby over the next three weeks if required.

"It's catch 22 in many ways, we've had the benefit of play-off rugby in recent times and there's no doubt that's been beneficial for those who are lucky enough to get it and it adds to their confidence and their belief," he said.

"But last year is living proof of the fact that it can also eat into and erode the Wallabies prep. So what we lose in one instance we may gain through having a bit more time."

According to Deans, Waratahs wingers Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner have a lot of work to do fitness wise to earn their place in the final squad, after spending most of the season injured.

Deans said training form would be crucial in determining whether Quade Cooper or incumbent Berrick Barnes would start at No.10 against the All Blacks.

- AAP