The great League coach Jack Gibson once said Arthur Beetson could ''do it all'' on the football field and ''sell tickets'' too. Arthur Beetson - Simple English Wikipedia, the free [13][14] Beetson chose to boycott the presentation ceremony, stating that he did not agree with the direction rugby league is taking. 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. Gathered at Redcliffe's Dolphin Oval where Beetson began his career in 1964, they heard stories about how he got his speed and footwork. The 1966 NSWRFL season was his first and he gained selection for the New South Wales team and played in that season's grand final against St. George at second-row forward. [26][27], In March 2022, it was announced that the decision not to name a stand at the new Sydney Football Stadium had been overturned by New South Wales sports minister Stuart Ayres. "Jack has been privileged in his life with what dad has achieved and what we get to do as a family," Brad said. Jack, who plays his junior footy with the Nambour Crushers, said it was "definitely special" to be playing in the same position as his illustrious grandfather. Rugby league great Arthur Beetson died this morning at the age of 66 after suffering a heart attack. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1987 for his services to rugby league, Beetson retains an active involvement to this day. [20], The Premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh announced that a bronze statue of Beetson was to be situated at Lang Park. Tom Raudonikis, Beetson's close friend and NSW foe in the first Origin battle, broke up the gathering when he said Beetson's Aboriginal heritage had not helped his sense of direction. "Arthur was a great mentor for all Indigenous people, not only in rugby league but in life away from football," said Yow Yeh, whose uncle Kevin followed Beetson from Roma in country Queensland to Redcliffe and then Balmain in the 60s to play rugby league. Dad through his life had a passion of improving the lives of young Indigenous people, its great that the foundation can continue this by using his other great passion of Rugby League as the vehicle to do so.. Beetson would later captain the Kangaroos against France on the 1973 tour and continue as captain for Australias 1975 victory at the World Series, making him the first Indigenous Australian to captain a national team. Beetson continued to play for the Tigers until 1970 and then joined the Eastern Suburbs before migrating to the Eels in 1979. Lewis then, represented the team Valleys Diehards in the Brisbane Rugby League Premiership tournament which was held in 1978. The Carnival is much more than Rugby League as it also has a major focus on Health Vocation and Education. The year the junior events that will take place prior to the start of the Mens & Womens competitions have been expanded. His best football is certainly in front of him. He started playing football in bare feet as a six-year-old and went on became a centre and Arthur Beetson The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. Beetson farewelled at Brisbane service