From running around with no shoes on to winning flash rides, Kurtley Beale's phenomenal rise will hit top speed next year when he becomes the target of a bidding war between the codes.

Beale, 18, was yesterday named the Australian Rugby Championship player of the year, winning a $40,000 Mazda SUV which he can't drive because he does not have his licence.

At the moment, his sights are set on the Wallabies No.10 jersey, although the Australian Rugby Union has yet to table him an offer beyond next year, when his contract expires.

Already, several NRL clubs eager to sign him for 2009 have approached Beale's management, with South Sydney and Cronulla leading the charge.

The schoolboy sensation was thrust into the Super 14 arena this year and showed glimpses of brilliance, before leading the Western Sydney Rams to the minor premiership in the inaugural ARC.

With Berrick Barnes favourite to succeed Stephen Larkham as Australia's five-eighth after a solid debut at the World Cup, Beale said he would be providing fierce competition.

"I think it's wide open for next year," Beale said. "Berrick played well, especially in the first [run-on] game [against Wales], but I think there are a few options and whoever is playing best at the time will get the nod."

As his grandmother, Norma, waited patiently outside the Sydney Convention Centre yesterday, Beale was given the keys to his new car at the Sydney Motor Show. Because he was caught drink-driving while unlicensed last year, Beale has been prevented from gaining a licence.

The car will be used by Norma and Beale's girlfriend, Essie Gray, until he can legally drive. As he looked at the vehicle, Beale could hardly contain his smile, and remembered the many words of wisdom passed down by his grandfather, Raymond, who passed away just before the ARC season kicked off.

"I feel like he is here with me now, patting me on the back," Beale said. "Growing up in Mount Druitt, it's a tough area. I didn't think about all of these things when I was running around with no shoes out there, I didn't predict this would happen.

"When I was younger, I had to make some tough choices. I could have taken the right path or the wrong path. My grandad gave me a lot of advice and helped me make the right decisions."

As it turns out, Beale's NSW and Rams teammate, Lachlan Turner, owns the same Mazda model. "I will be teaching him how to drive it," said Turner, who will soon move from a provisional to full licence.

The pair built a solid partnership as five-eighth and fullback for the Rams and both hope that continues for the Waratahs in next year's Super 14.