Beale joined and Marky Mark was ignored as Schmidt made his first call-up as Wallabies coach.

Joe Schmidt has selected 16 players from the two Super Rugby teams that failed to reach the final to continue training ahead of this winter’s Tests.

According to media reports, the Kiwi coach rewarded Kirtley Beale for his return to Super Rugby with the Western Force by demanding he continue training.

In a bold move, Schmidt appears to have turned his back on star winger Mark Nawakanitawase, who will boycott rugby at the end of this season and join the Sydney Roosters NRL team in 2025.

Marky Mark was one of the Wallabies’ best players in 2023 despite his form having waned as a member of the wooden spoon Waratahs team.

Flyhalves’ Tane Edmed and Ben Donaldson were nominated. Noah Lolesio, Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh are certain to be counted after the finals, although they are strong contenders for the controversial 10th spot.

It makes sense for Schmidt to keep Edmed active with the number 10 jersey as his key job, but it’s hard to imagine him being any higher than fifth choice.

Mark Nawakanitawase (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Schmidt has previously suggested that the Wales squad would be made up entirely of home-based players.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Nic White, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, Carlo Tizzano and Izack Rodda are also included in the force.

Other Waratahs named were Dylan Pietsch, Charlie Gamble, Jake Gordon, Miles Amatosero, Langi Gleeson and Lalakai Foketi. Jed Holloway was absent, and injured players including Angus Bell, Max Jorgensen and Dave Porecki were not considered.

An RA spokesperson told The Roar they were yet to confirm when Schmidt’s first squad would be announced, depending on how deep the Australian team goes into the Super Rugby finals.

This is consistent with previous years. For reference, Eddie Jones has named 33 players in his first full squad for April 2023, and 36 players ahead of the Rugby Championship.

Amatosero’s call-up is just a reward for his progress this season.

The Waratahs brought home a huge lock from Clermont in France and he made it clear he likes the Wallaby.

“Playing for Australia is all I want. I always said, ‘I want to be a Wallaby one day,’” he said.

Schmidt admitted Australia’s damaged self-esteem needed to be restored after a dismal World Cup.

“We will have some players who will be left behind because of this and if they can develop through the Wales game they will see how tough the Rugby Championship can be. I’ve been through the last few games and they’ve been really competitive,” he said.

“What we have ahead of us is a truly challenging task and I’m looking forward to helping the young players build their confidence and repeat some really positive performances.”

Beale missed the Cup while battling on-field issues, but Schmidt hinted he will be keen to see what impact he can make as he aims to add to his recent 95 Test caps.

“Kurtley is just finding his feet again, but I coached a team against Kurtley and he knocked us down,” Schmidt said.

“I know what he can do. I saw it in the (a) Test against Ireland (in Melbourne) a few years ago.

“He scored from about 40 meters out and it created quite a hole in our defence.

“I think it will take him a little while to find his place. Especially because he also has a new team (force). He takes time to settle in and get comfortable.”

Beale made it clear that he wanted to add to his test record and held discussions with Schmidt.

“I think getting out (during that time) allowed me to focus a lot on my physical and mental well-being,” Beale said.

“I trained a lot and did a lot of mental work to make sure I was in the right headspace.

“And being away from the game actually made me appreciate it a lot more. That’s a really good thing.

“I really love playing rugby again.”