Arthur Beetson The Legend

Athrur Beetson: 1945 - 2011

In hearing about the passing of Artie Beetson was a shock and is something that still seems surreal.  Since hearing of the passing of Beetson it has made me think about my memories of this legend of sport.  Although I am too young to remember his career, I still have some memories of what I heard my father say and combined with footage I have watched, Beetson is a player that is at the top of the pedestal when it comes to legends/immortals of Rugby League.

The thing that sticks out most for me is the affect Beetson had on representative football and the creation of State of Origin.  I still have memories of hearing my father say how great it was to see Beetson finally playing for his state and proudly walking out onto Lang Park to send a message to the southerners that without the greats from Queensland they were not the team they thought they were.  It always hurt Queensland to see NSW teams come up with players like Beetson in their side.  With Beetson able to play for Queensland it was always going to go down in folklore how this great man came home to play for his state.

Beetson started his career with Redlciffe in 1964 before being lured south to play for the Balmain Tigers in 1966-1970 and later going on to play for Eastern Suburbs, 1971-1978,  for most of his career before finishing with Parramatta Eels, 1979-1980.  Whilst playing in Sydeny Beetson represented NSW from 1966-1977 (18 matches)  During this time Beetson went on to play for Australia from 1966-1977 (28 matches) and was to become the first indigenous captain of an Australian national team.  It was not until 1980 when his career was amost over that Beetson was able to play for his home state in the first Origin match.

After his playing career Beetson went on to become a successful coach at club and representative level but for me it is his playing career that will always be remembered.  I have never heard anyone speak negatively about Beetson and probably never will.  Named as an Immortal, Beetson will be forever remembered and it will be a memory of thoughts that put a tingle at the back of your neck everytime you see footage of his career or hear stories in the pub.  There are not enough words to describe the effect he has had on the game of Rugby League but there will be plenty of stories doing the rounds from many greats of the game whose lives have been influenced.