Cirrus@Austlit

Arthur Beetson was an international rugby league player and coach. He began playing senior football at Roma, then in 1964 went to play for Brisbane first grade team Redcliffe. During his lengthy career he gained a reputation as one of the greatest attacking forwards in the game. In all, he played 28 tests for Australia and over 200 first grade games for club sides Redcliffe, Balmain, Hull Kingston Rovers, Eastern Suburbs and Parramatta. He captained Australia on 2 occasions and in so doing became the first Indigenous person to captain any Australian sporting team. Following his retirement as a player, he continued in the game as a coach, selector and mentor to young players.