Arthur Beetson
Year inducted: 2017
True Blue number: 593
Born: January 21, 1945, Roma Queensland
Clubs: Balmain Tigers, Eastern Suburbs Roosters, Parramatta Eels
Position: Prop
Premiership career: (1966-80) 223 games, 24 tries, 1 goals, 77 points (Balmain 1966-70, 74g, 6t, 1g, 20p; Eastern Suburbs Roosters 1971-78, 131g, 17t, 51p; Parramatta Eels 1979-80, 18g, 1t, 3p)
First Grade debut: Balmain Tigers vs St George Dragons at SCG, Sydney, on April 2, 1966
Representative honours: Australia 28 Tests (1966-77); NSW 27 Interstate Matches (1966-77)
Other honours: Rugby League Immortal 2003, ARL Team of the Century 2008, NSWRL Player of the Year 1976
The best forward in the world at his prime, Arthur Beetson carved a unique niche for club and state, on both sides of the border, apart from a stellar career representing his country. Beetson’s balance of skill and aggression made him a unique package. After achieving fame as a player he became an icon as coach of Queensland in Origin football.
New South Wales Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
