Artie Beetson was a great rugby league player and a great man. He died today of a heart attack at 66.
Cardiovascular disease claims too many Aboriginal people and too early.
In fact the ‘normal’ age for aboriginal men dying is around the age Beetson was – a shocking 11 years younger than non-indigenous men.
I remember back to 1966 when Beetson played for the Tigers. Artie was fast, big and strong. How did he slip those passes away?
Beetson was one of the best forwards ever.
I remember 1975, as a St George supporter, when he won a premiership with Eastern Suburbs against my team. He also won one the year before with Easts.
And I remember the first state of origin series, the first game. Artie was captain. He was 35. It was his show. Queensland won.
Beetson was the first indigenous player to captain Australia. He showed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids that they too could make it.
Today 11 percent of first grade rugby league players in Australia are indigenous.
For many aboriginal people sport, in what is still a racist society founded on dispossession, is the only outlet for their ability and skill.
But indigenous players had to struggle to be recognised. Beetson helped break the glass ceiling of race in rugby league. He was an inspiration.
Rugby league is a very different game today because of Arthur Beetson.
Thank you, Artie, and goodbye.
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