Wally Lewis Biography Beetson has also spent many years as a recruitment officer for both Eastern Suburbs and Queensland. ARTIE Academy (Achieving Results Through Indigenous Education). "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. He passed away in 2011. Rugby league legends Arthur Beetson (left) and Wally Lewis at the official opening of Suncorp Stadium in 2003. The program is run by the FOGS (Former Origin Greats) organisation and funded under the "Closing the Gap" initiative. He started playing rugby league at age six, left school at sixteen and at nineteen moved to Brisbane to play first grade for Redcliffe. 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.. Messenger, Brown, Burge, Provan, Meninga announced as Immortals. His statue stands with those of fellow Maroons greats Wally Lewis and Darren Lockyer at the northern end of the stadium precinct. Under his captaincy, the team registered a win in its very first game. [17] He was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2003. mother: June Lewis. The accolades continued with an Australian Sports Medal and then a Centenary Medal and as time wore on, Beetson came to be recognised as Australias best ever forward. He then pushed, unsuccessfully, for an Australia Day match against the Australian national team.[9]. Arthur Beetson Foundation My WordPress Blog "Jack has been privileged in his life with what dad has achieved and what we get to do as a family," Brad said. Thu 1 Dec 2011 08.22 EST Arthur Beetson, one of the genuine greats of the Australian game who was also a hugely popular and significant Aboriginal sporting figure, Arthur Beetson was selected as the seventh 'Immortal of Rugby League in 2004. 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. However, by the time he was playing with Brisbane side Redcliffe, he was in the forward line, and it was there that he became a member of that teams 1965 premiership win. In 1984, this rugby player moved out of Wakefield Trinity and started playing for the team Wynnum-Manly Seagulls. He captain-coached Easts in 1977 and 1978, then joined Parramatta for 1979 and 1980. A change of rules in 1980 allowed a proud Beetson to lead the Maroons to a 20-10 victory over NSW in the very first State of Origin match at Brisbanes Lang Park. Mr Johnson said that with David Fifita being the latest graduate from the Carnival and the Under 15 program into the NRL that the elite clubs should see the Carnival as a valid pathway event and hopefully not just young players but senior players who have been overlooked in the past might get their shot just like Michael Purcell from Mitchell who is now an Intrust Super Cup superstar. children: Jamie-Lee Lewis, Lincoln Lewis, Mitchell Lewis. Arthur Beetson was selected as the seventh 'Immortal of Rugby League in 2004. Arthur Beetson A recruitment officer for the Roosters, he is a state selector for the Queensland team, and Australian Test selector. "He leaves a mighty footprint on rugby league that will guarantee he is remembered not just now, but forever.". Steven Johnson Chair of the Arthur Beetson Foundation said that whilst the key focus is on life outcomes it was important that the Carnival expand the junior participation to create better player pathways into the NRL and Intrust Super Cup for young murri talent that may otherwise not be afforded that opportunity. Beetson is often regarded as Australia's best ever forward, and in 2000 he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal, then in 2001 the Centenary Medal "for service to Australian society through the sport of rugby league". We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. 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. WebBorn in Roma, Queensland, in 1945, Arthur Artie' Beetson started his career at local level as a centre. WebArthur Beetson tribute. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on. Meanwhile, having left Balmain, he led Eastern Suburbs to the premierships of 1974 and 1975. Rugby league legends Arthur Beetson (left) and Wally Lewis at the official opening of Suncorp Stadium in 2003. Also in 1987 he received the Medal of the Order of Australia "in recognition of service to the sport of Rugby League". Arthur was a proud Aboriginal boy from the bush, the son of a stolen generation woman. 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. This legendary rugby player fell prey to Epilepsy and even had to undergo a surgery in February 2007, to get rid of this ailment. Arthur Beetson In all, he notched up 438 first class rugby league fixtures at club, state and international level, despite his playing career being marred at times by injury, fluctuating weight and fitness, and disciplinary issues. Arthur Beetson and his legacy in league and in life | SBS WebAge: 63 Years, 63 Year Old Males Family: Spouse/Ex-: Jacqueline Lewis father: Jim Lewis mother: June Lewis children: Jamie-Lee Lewis, Lincoln Lewis, Mitchell Lewis Rugby Players Australian Men Height: 6'0" (183 cm ), 6'0" Males More Facts Recommended Lists: Australian People Tall Celebrities Tall Male Celebrities Male Sportspersons Even one of the greatest Australian could not escape the fate of too many of his Indigenous Australian brothers and sisters. WebBeetson was born in Roma, Queensland. Beetson returned to Queensland for one final year of playing with his old Redcliffe team in 1981. Gathered at Redcliffe's Dolphin Oval where Beetson began his career in 1964, they heard stories about how he got his speed and footwork. Beetson switched to Eastern Suburbs in 1971 where he developed his skills further under coaches Don Furner and later Jack Gibson and led the Roosters to consecutive premiership wins. As part of the Centenary of League celebrations in 2008, Beetson was retrospectively awarded the Clive Churchill Medal as Man of the Match in the 1974 Grand final. [25] Rugby league commentator Ray Hadley also criticised the decision after an attempted compromise with an offer put forward to have Beetson honoured with a statue instead of a grandstand. The Roosters said in a statement: "The Sydney Roosters are devastated to hear about the sudden death of club and rugby league legend Arthur Beetson. It was few years before Arthur and his brothers discovered their father was shooting blanks. National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. He continued to coach through the 1990s for the Cronulla Sharks as well as enjoying some stints in commentary and as a recruitment officer for the Eastern Suburbs and Queensland. "Dad taught me about culture and I have reiterated that with my continued involvement with the Foundation. WebState Of Origin 2012, game 3, and Billy Slater (on the commentary panel) talks about Arthur Beetson on the unveiling of his statue. Arthur Beetson Obituary (1945 - 2011) - Legacy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. He continued to coach through the 1990s for the Cronulla Sharks as well as enjoying some stints in commentary and as a recruitment officer for the Eastern Suburbs and Queensland. Family, friends and former team-mates have farewelled rugby league great Arthur Beetson at a service north of Brisbane. The players were taught an Indigenous dance to do in response to the Haka. 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.. He is also remembered as man of great humility who cared deeply about his people and culture. The great League coach Jack Gibson once said Arthur Beetson could ''do it all'' on the football field and ''sell tickets'' too. Arthur Beetson, one of the genuine greats of the Australian game who was also a hugely popular and significant Aboriginal sporting figure, has died at the age of 66. His performance in this competition landed him a spot in the Australian national team in 1981. Wally Lewis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life After a short stint as coach of the national team in 1983, he returned to the Eastern Suburbs where he was awarded Coach of the Year for his efforts in 1987. On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves. This Australian team went on to taste success during this overseas tour. WebARTHUR Beetsons son has slammed the New South Wales Rugby League as pathetic for claiming his father as a True Blue. 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. You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content, Rugby League Week Player of the Year: 1974, Australian Rugby League Team of the Century: 2008, Rated No. A funeral was held on Friday at the Redcliffe Leagues Club where Beetson began his career in 1964. During the 1976 NSWRFL season, Beetson captained Eastern Suburbs to victory in their unofficial 1976 World Club Challenge match against British champions St Helens in Sydney. An inspiration and role model for his people, Arthur was resolute in his beliefs about the absolute need for young Indigenous Australians to be educated, to finish school and to be employed. He was quickly signed to Balmain in the National Rugby League where he established himself as formidable on the field. RIP Artie, what a legend. 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. Jack wanted to "just see how far I can go and try my hardest" with regards to his footy while making the point that the cultural aspects of the Murri 15s camp meant a lot to him. Family and friends farewell rugby league immortal Arthur National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. Arthur's Mother Marie was Kabi Kabi and his Father Bill was Waradjuri from NSW. "He was 35 years old and at the back end of a great career and he led all the way. He was revered by a nation as the greatest rugby league forward of He steered his team to victory in the finals of the BRL tournament held at Lang Park. Copyright 2023 - Arthur Beetson Foundation. In May 2004 his book, Big Artie: The Autobiography was published. Beetson served a short stint as coach of the Kangaroos in 1983, and in the 1980s and 1990s he coached Eastern Suburbs and the Cronulla Sharks while also serving as a selector and recruitment officer. He possessed great strength and toughness, a surprising turn of speed for a big man and was unequalled as a ball player. 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. In one of the games of the 1985 State of Origin Series, Lewis won the man of the match award, though his team lost the contest. Revealed: the other man in the famous Beetson Origin photo. The junior boys will be Under 13, 15 & 17 aged groups and the junior girls Under 15 & 17 aged groups with the junior girls games being be played under a 9 a side format. Arthur Beetson (Artie) You were an inspirational indigenous Australian who will be missed bye all, especially your family and friends. was founded in 2010 in honour of Arthur Beetson by the Former Origin Greats through their Closing the Gap initiative. [24], While the family congratulated the three sporting identities who were nominated to have grandstands named after them (Ron Coote, Johnny Warren and Sir Nicholas Shehadie), they criticised the proposal to name a grandstand Garrison in recognition of locally based British troops from the 1850s. Jack's father Brad Beetson, a director of the Arthur Beetson Foundation which runs the annual Murri Carnival from which the touring team was selected, was proud of his son's achievement. WebAge: 63 Years, 63 Year Old Males. You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content. Ash Taylor, Brenko Lee and Gideon Gela-Mosby have all played for the Murri side in the past. [18], In 2009 Beetson was inducted into the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame.[19]. Arthur Beetson started playing Rugby League in Roma, Queensland at age six. Beetson continued to represent Australia at the 1972 Rugby League World Cup, playing against Great Britain at prop forward in the tournament final which was drawn. Lewis returned to Sydney after the spat with Brisbane Broncos and joined the team Gold Coast Seagulls in 1991. Beetson captained Eastern Suburbs to the 1974 and 1975 premierships. WebArthur Beetson was a great Australian; one of the greatest. Wally made waves in the Australian Rugby circuit when he played for the team Queensland Maroons in the 1980 State of Origin tournament. Lewis then, represented the team Valleys Diehards in the Brisbane Rugby League Premiership tournament which was held in 1978. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). On the 1973 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France he was selected as Australia's vice captain, playing at prop forward in all three Ashes test matches. His autobiography Big Artie was also released that year, using the name popularised by the crowds for the lovable forward. An academy that will support them in times of need, but not accept excuses for a lack of commitment. Dolphins to play Roosters in inaugural game celebrating Fittingly, he led the Queenslanders to a 20-10 victory at Lang Park. The next year, 1970, was one of mixed fortunes, and harsh decision making. The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. Artie statue officially unveiled Arthur Henry Artie Beetson He was the NSW Rugby League player of the year in 1976, and the Rugby League Week player of the year for 1974. He joined the Parramatta Eels in 1979 and in 1980 captained Queensland to victory in the inaugural State or Origin series. [16] We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people. The Arthur Beetson Foundation is pleased to announce that the Queensland Murri Carnival 2022 will be the biggest Carnival held since its inception. His off-loading and attacking workrate broke the mould for front rowers and changed the way they played the game. The Murri Carnival was started in 2011 by former Maroons star Tony Currie, who handed the running of it over to the Arthur Beetson Foundation after Beetson's death in December of that year. "Those kids have got to have minimum 90 per cent school attendance and all must have a complete health check to help close the gap. 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. However, in the NSWRL tournament of 1992, he was unsuccessful to recreate the old magic and the team ended up faring badly. While their son Lincoln created waves in the television circuit as an actor, daughter Jamie proved her prowess as a Water-polo player. Brandon Beetson when he was three, with his dad, Nigel Beetson. 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. After retirement, Beetson went on to coach the Queensland team for Origin, securing four wins from six series. 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. 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. ten greatest players in rugby league history Arthur Beetson WebBeetsons mother was a member of the Stolen Generations and had grown up on the Cherbourg Mission before moving to Buderim and then Roma, where Beetson was born. "He'd be the best junior footballer in Australia.". [11][12] Beetson went on to be named in the front-row in Australian rugby league's Team of the Century. Interviews and feature reports from NITV. After retirement, Beetson went on to coach the Queensland team for Origin, securing four wins from six series. Despite his playing time being curtailed by injury, he was chosen from the reserves to captain Queensland in the first State of Origin match, played against New South Wales in 1980. Beetson was recognised as rugby leagues seventh Immortal in September 2003. He even scored a hat-trick in a match against the St Helens Rugby Football Club, making him a favourite amongst Football fans. WebBorn Arthur Henry Beetson on January 2, 1945, he was the fourth of seven children to Marie and Bill Beetson. 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. Across the three teams he played 223 games, scoring 24 tries and sealing the deal with 3 premierships, including two as captain of the Eastern Suburbs. Beetson farewelled at Brisbane service By subscribing, you agree to SBSs terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS. "Arthur Beetson's family call for review over Sydney stadium naming farce". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. Retrieved 4 February 2022. ^ a b Benns, Matthew (1 February 2022). "Arthur Beetson stand at Sydney stadium rejected because he's a Queenslander". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 4 February 2022. ^ Webster, Andrew (14 March 2022). He played his first game of football at age eight and had his first Beetson started his career in the centres with Roma Cities before master coach Henry Holloway brought him to Redcliffe, where he won a premiership a year later. Arthur Beetson 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. However, by the time he was playing with Brisbane side Redcliffe, he was in What a great man. Beetson's big frame, pure speed and brilliant ball skills won countless games for all his teams. He was made a life member of the Sydney Cricket Ground and a plaque in the Walk of Honour there commemorates his career. Arthur married first name Beetson (born glynn). Arthur married Noelene Beetson (born Holloway). Noelene was born on August 26 1946, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. His occupation was occupation. Arthur passed away of cause of death on month day 2011, at age 66 at death place. Arthur Beetson was born on January 22 1945, in Roma. was founded in 2010 in honour of Arthur Beetson by the Former Origin Greats through their Closing the Gap initiative. Artie Beetson dead Arthur Artie Beetson OAM (19452011), rugby league legend, was the first Indigenous Australian to captain a major national sporting team and is counted among the games best ever forwards. 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.
