Arthur Beetson OAM
Arthur Beetson born in Roma, Queensland, ‘in 45
Grew up in League, a centre, he could bring the crowd alive.
At 19 went to Redcliffe big & young, and strong & raw,
In time the best front rower many of us ever saw.
In ’66 at 21 he came down Balmain way
And when pulled their colours on, he showed ‘em he could play.
He made his mark so quickly he was in the test that year
At club & international level his was a name to fear.
For his craft was creating gaps for other blokes to score
With bruising runs and ‘offloads’ that the purists all adored
’68 the World Cup & then when the season ended
A stint with Hull K.R in England…broke his leg…it mended.
In ’71 to Eastern suburbs…he became the rock
Upon which that club built a team that nobody could stop.
World Cup campaigns and 14 tests he played in green & gold
He stood astride the league scene as the ‘70’s did unfold.
Captain coaching Easts…two final years at Parramatta
Ended the decade…ending a 15-year career that mattered.
One of his finest hours, ironically, was near the end.
They said “The origin won’t work with teams made up of friends!”
But Queensland’s’ Senator Ron McAuliffe pulled a master stroke
He said “To lead our Queensland’s side there’s really just one bloke”.
And that first night in 1980 up there at Lang Park
History was made, and Arthur Beetson was the spark,
Wally Lewis swears he’s never heard a sound so loud
Then when Arthur Beetson ran out & was welcomed by the crowd.
He played a season captain-coaching Redcliffe ‘81
And since has coached Australian teams and Queensland’s favourite sons.
In origin series…treasuring the ’89 ‘whitewash’
In latter years the battling Cronulla…nothing posh.
And that’s the way ‘Big Artie’ is…a shy bloke not a ‘mouth’
A legend in the game revered in Queensland and the South
A player with God-Given skills to get that ball away
A bloke the best defensive patterns never could outplay.
An original composition by Lindsay Young 1993
Download Full Bio.pdf (234.2 KB)
Testimonials
Annette Faulkner - San Clemente High School, fundraiser for schools special needs unit.
Arthur Beetson & John Peard 16/07/2010
Hi Justin & Belinda,
Sorry, first day at my desk since the lunch so catching up. We had a great day, 188 people - over $10,500- profit and a really good atmosphere. We extended the finishing time to 4pm to get the auction and raffle done and some people still didn't leave until close to 5pm.
Arthur and John are absolute gentlemen and went out of their way to help and join in on the day. Arthur helped with the auction and included John in stories and jokes while this was happening, they didn't just do their talk and run. They must have been exhausted by the end of the day but didn't show this as they continued to talk to people, sign autographs and have photos taken, all with grace and humour. Their have been many comments about what "good blokes" they were.
Thanks to you two for your support. Justin, you have a good team member in Belinda. It is good to see that you don't just take the booking but provide follow up and suggestions along the way. Much appreciated and I will have no hesitation in recommending your agency to others.
Thanks again
Annette
Once you book one of our speakers or shows consider The K Faktor a member of your event committee. Feel free to call us during your committee meetings and take advantage of our 20 years experience including over 500 shows and events.
Booked with us before? If we receive a booking from your referral we will send you a piece of memorabilia with a $500 auction value as a thank you.