He quickly found his way to Balmain in Sydney where he became a rugby league immortal, being named in Australia's team of the century, Queensland's team of the century and also in the Australian Indigenous team of the century. By subscribing, you agree to SBSs terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS. Biography - Arthur Henry (Artie) Beetson - Indigenous On 1 December 2011, Beetson died following a heart attack while riding his bicycle at Paradise Point on the Gold Coast, Queensland. The next year, 1970, was one of mixed fortunes, and harsh decision making. A passionate player, Beetson was sent off 12 times during his career, battled on and off with weight issues and racked up an impressive list of injuries, however both on and off the field he was adored by the fans and made news wherever he went. WebBorn Arthur Henry Beetson on January 2, 1945, he was the fourth of seven children to Marie and Bill Beetson. After a rough education he left school at 16 and worked at the local post-office, as a clerk and a mail man. Heres a range of information about planning your visit, our history and more! Beetson https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/wally-lewis-6167.php. "He was proud to be indigenous, proud to be a Queenslander and proud to be Australian," said Coote. Also Known As: Walter James Lewis, The Emperor of Lang Park, children: Jamie-Lee Lewis, Lincoln Lewis, Mitchell Lewis, See the events in life of Wally Lewis in Chronological Order, (Australian Former Professional Rugby League Footballer), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufc7CCvT7X0. "David Fifita, the nephew of Andrew, was our captain a couple of years ago and he's going to be a superstar so watch out for him," Brad said. A pat on the back from his giant hand or a kind word with his big smile was magical, lives were changed and hard times werent so hard. In 2008, rugby league in Australia's centenary year, Beetson was named at second-row forward in the Toowoomba and South West Team of the Century. Interviews and feature reports from NITV. On November 7, 1992, this iconic rugby player played the final game of his career against a South Australian team, held at Adelaide. Rugby league great Arthur Beetson died this morning at the age of 66 after suffering a heart attack. Photograph: Greg Garay/AP. In his death Arthur sadly became the face of closing the gap, dying 15 years before the Australian average life span and from heart disease and diabetes. Beetson's Queensland State of Origin number 11 jersey was "retired" in 2014. "I tell them that I think I am a successful Indigenous man because I am a good father and a role model back home.". Making the move to play for Sydney powerhouse, Balmain, in 1966, his commitment to training was questioned in some quarters, but his talent was undeniable and earned him a place in Australias third and deciding Test against Great Britain in 1966. He was conducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2003 and was selected as the seventh Immortal of Rugby League in 2004. "He was ahead of his time and an awesome grandfather. A lover of rugby from the very start he would listen to league on the radio as a kid and watch the Sunday games before joining the local side at aged 6. Arthur Beetson On his passing so that Arthurs remarkable legacy lives on the Arthur Beeston Foundation was set up to help close that gap by engaging the community to empower Indigenous Australians to better outcomes in health, education, sport, employment and business development. He was born in Roma, Queensland on 21 January 1945. Brad Beetson, the Arthur Beetson Foundation and the Queensland Rugby League are shocked that NSW officials would formally include Beetson in their new initiative True Blue an organisation recognising past NSW players. children: Jamie-Lee Lewis, Lincoln Lewis, Mitchell Lewis. Even one of the greatest Australian could not escape the fate of too many of his Indigenous Australian brothers and sisters. By subscribing, you agree to SBSs terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS. "It brought tears to my eyes when he got in the team," Brad said. He was captain-coach of Redcliffe in 1981 and that season was appointed coach of the Queensland State of Origin side, taking them to repeated series victories over New South Wales from 1981 to 1984 . As a strong believer in need for young Indigenous Australians to be educated, to finish school and to be employed and an inspirational role model for many Indigenous people, Beetson was proud to be associated with the program. There would be no State of Origin but for Arthur. Arthur Beetson - Interesting stories about famous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. His skill for off-loading seemingly impossible passes became infamous, and his maturity and dedication was unquestionable. Beetson's coaching career began while still playing for Easts in 1977. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1989. "His brilliance on the field remains seared into the memory of rugby league fans," she said in a statement on Thursday, praising his influence on indigenous Australians. Rugby league legends Arthur Beetson (left) and Wally Lewis at the official opening of Suncorp Stadium in 2003. Arthur Beetson (Artie) You were an inspirational indigenous Australian who will be missed bye all, especially your family and friends. (modern), The popular Arthur Beetson, here taking part in the 2000 Olympic torch relay, has died at the age of 66. He was married in 1974 and working as the purchasing officer for the Eastern Suburbs Club settled down in Denistone with his wife and four year old son, Scott. Beetson then played with Balmain, with a spell in England with Hull Kingston Rovers in 1968.[8]. Beetson played in all three Tests against Great Britain in Australia, but was overlooked for the World Cup, held in England. The legacy of rugby league Immortal Arthur Beetson lives on through his grandson Jack Beetson, a towering prop who toured New Zealand last month with the Queensland under 15 Murri side. He played his first game of football at age eight and had his first He captained Queensland in the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980, which ushered in a new era for the game. "One of rugby league's most well respected and liked characters, Artie will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone associated with the Roosters. Also in 1987 he received the Medal of the Order of Australia "in recognition of service to the sport of Rugby League". Arthur Beetson started playing Rugby League in Roma, Queensland at age six. Wally was honoured with the Australian Sports Medal in the year 2000 for his contribution towards the sport. Struggling with a shoulder injury, Beetson laid on tries for wingers Johnny King and Ken Irvine that helped to secure the Ashes for Australia. ", Russell Crowe, the actor and co-owner of South Sydney Rabbitohs, tweeted: "Arthur Beetson. The highlight of this tournament was that the youngster got a chance to play alongside the legendary player, Arthur Beetson, who was his role model. The Foundation was also appointed by Queensland Rugby League to conduct the annual Murri Carnival and uses the event to reach over 30,000 people with its goal of better outcomes in health, education and sport for Indigenous Australians. WebBeetson was born in Roma, Queensland. [11][12] Beetson went on to be named in the front-row in Australian rugby league's Team of the Century. Met him when I was a 10 year old, inspiring. In 1965, when Redcliffe won the Brisbane premiership, he was named the clubs player of the year and was soon afterwards signed to play for Balmain in the Sydney competition. While his tour was marred by a shoulder injury he set up two tries in the third Test, helping to secure the match. While he was forced to play with the NSW Blues, due to the team selection criteria being based upon the location of the club where the player was contracted rather than their home state, his heart was always with Queensland. Brandon Beetson when he was three, with his dad, Nigel Beetson. Australian former RL coach & Australia international rugby league footballer, Sydney Football Stadium grandstand naming controversy, 1968 Rugby League World Cup champions (2nd title), 1975 Rugby League World Championship winners (4th title), Queensland Rugby League Team of the Century, New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership, 1973 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France, Australian rugby league's 100 greatest players, Australian rugby league team of the century, Queensland rugby league team of the century, Australian rugby league's Team of the Century, Queensland Rugby League's Team of the Century, "Arthur Beetson Summary Rugby League Project", "Arthur Beetson Career Stats & Summary Rugby League Project", "Biography Arthur Henry (Artie) Beetson Indigenous Australia", Rugby league great Arthur Beetson dead after suffering heart attack while exercising, "Artie wants first pick, then a Test against Fittler and Co", "Centenary of Rugby League The Players", "Controversy reigns as NRL releases top 100 players", "Immortal Beetson boycotts centenary ball", "Arthur Beetson's family call for review over Sydney stadium naming farce", "Arthur Beetson stand at Sydney stadium rejected because he's a Queenslander", "Beetson transcended state borders so name a grandstand after him", "Roosters legend Arthur Beetson to be honoured after grandstand snub", "Arthur Beetson set to be honoured at Sydney Stadium", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arthur_Beetson&oldid=1152307898, Australia national rugby league team captains, Australia national rugby league team coaches, Australian Aboriginal rugby league team coaches, Indigenous Australian rugby league players, New South Wales rugby league team players, Queensland Rugby League State of Origin captains, Queensland Rugby League State of Origin coaches, Recipients of the Australian Sports Medal, Recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia, Articles with dead external links from July 2017, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles with dead external links from February 2019, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in Australian English, Articles with dead external links from September 2020, Sport Australia Hall of Fame template with ID same as Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 29 April 2023, at 12:47. The teams in the annual Indigenous All Stars rugby league match compete for the Arthur Beetson Trophy. He then pushed, unsuccessfully, for an Australia Day match against the Australian national team.[9]. A passionate player, Beetson was sent off 12 times during his career, battled on and off with weight issues and racked up an impressive list of injuries, however both on and off the field he was adored by the fans and made news wherever he went. Securing himself a position in the grand final team, Beetson was so impressive he was selected to play for the Australian team in his debut year in the NRL. While he was forced to play with the NSW Blues, due to the team selection criteria being based upon the location of the club where the player was contracted rather than their home state, his heart was always with Queensland. The Arthur Beetson trophy was created in 2012 and is awarded annually to the winner of the Indigenous All Stars rugby league match. The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency, gelatin silver photograph on paper (, The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. "Others may have made it possible but Arthur gave birth to the passion of Origin," Carr said. Beetson became the first Indigenous Australian to captain Australia in any sport[6] and is frequently cited as the best post-war forward in Australian rugby league history. Lewis, who spoke of catching Beetson in his hotel room the night before an Origin game playing cards with rival NSW coach Jack Gibson, read out tributes from every player in the 1980 Origin side. Captain-coach of Redcliffe in 1981, Beetson was coach of the Queensland side from 1981 to 1984, and again in 1989 and 1990. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons. Beetson continued to play for the Tigers until 1970 and then joined the Eastern Suburbs before migrating to the Eels in 1979. Arthur Beetson and his legacy in league and in life | NITV The same year Beetson received a Medal of the Order of Australia "in recognition of service to the sport of Rugby League". The 66-year-old died from a heart attack on the Gold Coast last week. He headed to Sydney a year after claiming a premiership with Redcliffe and made his name at Balmain, where he was coached by Harry Bath. He captain-coached Easts in 1977 and 1978, then joined Parramatta for 1979 and 1980. "Talk about a black tracker, fair dinkum.". He was conducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2003 and was selected as the seventh Immortal of Rugby League in 2004. Arthur Henry ''Artie'' Beetson was born in Roma, Queensland, on January 22, 1945 to Bill Beetson from Brewarrina and Marie, a member of the Stolen Generations who had left Cherbourg Mission before moving to Buderim and then Roma. His performance in this competition landed him a spot in the Australian national team in 1981. He played his first game of football at age eight and had his first fight in a boxing ring a year later. Lighthearted yarn on all things NBA and NBL, Join Narelda Jacobs and John Paul Janke to get unique Indigenous perspectives and cutting-edge analysis of the biggest stories of the week. "Dad gave him a few tips, but it was more about how to carry himself in life more than football. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on. of December 2011, Beetson died following a heart attack at the age of 66. was set up by Arthurs sons to continue on his legacy and to continue on his two greatest passions: helping people and Rugby League. Wally next joined the team Brisbane Broncos in 1988, the same year as its formation. Beetson's big frame, pure speed and brilliant ball skills won countless games for all his teams. The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. He told of how on a trip away to the bush Beetson set off on his bike only to end up 50 kilometres from where he intended to be. Wally made waves in the Australian Rugby circuit when he played for the team Queensland Maroons in the 1980 State of Origin tournament. Family, friends and former team-mates have farewelled rugby league great Arthur Beetson at a service north of Brisbane. The great League coach Jack Gibson once said Arthur Beetson could ''do it all'' on the football field and ''sell tickets'' too. His off-loading and attacking workrate broke the mould for front rowers and changed the way they played the game.
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