Heartache turned to disbelief for many Australians yesterday, knowing that the news was bad, yet still hoping that rugby league’s arguably greatest immortal could defy credence in the true sense of the word.
Arthur Beetson was regularly lauded as rugby league’s greatest ever player. Before a heart attack while riding his bike on the Gold Coast cruelled him of a widely powerful presence, the 66-year-old’s contributions to the game were unmatched.
Beetson conquered all during his decorated playing career. A two-time premiership-winning captain, a triumphant Maroon, a master coach and, after retirement, a sought-after national selector.
He engendered admiration and envy from Australians throughout his time on the field, but perhaps Artie’s greatest feat was produced during the twilight of his career.
In today’s high-stakes nature of the game - where controversial off-field stories share the headlines nearly as much as the on-field play - Beetson’s testament as true warrior stands in even higher regard than it would have during the ’70s and ’80s.
Petero Civoniceva will be the oldest player in the NRL this year, turning 36 in April.
By comparison, big Artie was 35 when he led QLD onto the field for the first State of Origin game back in 1980.
Beetson never let go of what it meant to be a Queenslander. In his last public Wollongong appearance, during the Dragons’ grand final preparations last year, Beetson jovially told the Mercury he was against a New South Welshman, Craig Bellamy, coaching the Maroons. That role should be left to a Queenslander, he insisted.
‘‘Obviously it’s a bit one-sided at the moment but we’re loving it up there because I think we’re a little bit more passionate,’’ Beetson said of the side’s recent dominance.
‘‘I’ve got to give Mal Meninga a rap, his preparation was terrific. He took over in 2006 and the ironic part about it all was that Wayne Bennett wanted Craig Bellamy as the Queensland coach.
‘‘It was only by a lot of pushing and shoving that we prompted Mal to take up the position, because we didn’t want a New South Welshman as coach.
‘‘Nothing against Craig Bellamy, but that’s against the spirit of the game.’’
For those of us who didn’t bear witness to Beetson’s sparkling performances on the field, his continued legacy on the great game bears just as much significance.
A tenacious and highly skilled second-rower or prop, Beetson was the first indigenous Australian to captain his country in any sport. In his years after retiring, he became an ambassador and mentor for indigenous people. Tellingly, his influence continues to resonate through rugby league paddocks around the country.
Expect all eyes to wander towards the heavens when the third annual Indigenous All Stars game is hosted at the Gold Coast in February.
Like Origin, that too was a major visionary partly instigated by Beetson. Like his determined approach on the field, he pushed for milestones off it. Let’s hope his legacy continues for many years to come.
Rest in Peace, Artie.
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