Arthur Beetson’s son and niece address Maroons in camp in lead up to Origin I
The son and niece of one of Queensland’s greatest rugby league players Arthur Beetson have been invited into Maroons camp, giving the players an emotional address on how to win with their backs against the wall.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Billy Slater’s Maroons have been urged to embrace the ‘Spirit of Artie’ following an emotional address from the family of Queensland legend Arthur Beetson.
Beetson’s son Brad and niece Bianca were invited into Camp Maroon in the lead-up to Wednesday night’s Origin series-opener against the Blues at Suncorp Stadium.
The injury-ravaged Maroons have their backs to the wall heading into Game One after being installed as rank underdogs against reigning series champions NSW.
But Queensland will draw on the memory of Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin’s 1995 team and the legacy of Maroons godfather ‘Artie’ Beetson, who died in 2011 aged 66.
Despite being in the twilight of his career, Beetson famously led Queensland out in the first State of Origin fixture in 1980, kick starting 45 years of Maroons memories.
Brisbane-based Indigenous artist Bianca Beetson, daughter of Arthur’s brother Barry, designed a training jersey the Maroons wore at Sunday’s open training session on the Sunshine Coast.
She spoke passionately to the Queensland team and urged them to harness her uncle’s spirit against the red-hot Blues.
“I spoke about Arthur’s legacy and how I wanted to honour him in the jersey,” she said.
“We saw State of Origin open with Arthur and he is embedded in everyone’s memory. He has a legacy.
“There was a mention of the team doing him proud this year. It was a special moment.
“I was overwhelmed by the energy in the room. I hadn’t planned on doing an emotional spiel, but the energy of the team held me up.
“Brad was trying not to cry. It was incredible and powerful.
“I spoke about the man he was not only on the field, but also the community. He’d give his last $10 to someone.
“He was so caring and generous. He was a legend on the field but did a lot for communities.
“When he died, I was blown away by the number of non-Indigenous people that mourned the man. I’d never seen anything like it.
“It showed how important he was as a person. Even in death he is still connecting people.”
The training strip designed by Bianca emphasises Beetson’s legacy, with boomerangs around the neck symbolising the league legend coming back and continuing to inspire.
Queensland’s most successful Origin coach Mal Meninga said Beetson epitomised the state’s spirit.
“Artie is the heart and soul of our Queensland spirit,” he said.
“I had played for Queensland in 1979 in the interstate series, but the next year was the first year of Origin and I was inspired to see Artie run out and play alongside him.
“Just as I was inspired to be alongside Artie, guys like Cam Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans can inspire a Robert Toia or Trent Loiero (Maroons debutants).”
The Maroons will head to Brisbane on Tuesday ahead of their final captain’s run training session at Suncorp.
Slater has been tapping into Queensland’s rich Origin history over the past week as he searches for a way to win back the shield after last year’s 2-1 series loss.
“It’s always important to acknowledge your history,” he said.
“The history of this jersey, it has been going around for decades now and 30 years this year is the 1995 series which was one that everyone remembers.
“There were no Super League players available and a lot of the Queensland stars weren’t available to play for the state.
“Players came from reserve grade, there was a lot of youth in there, so it’s a reminder of the opportunities out there to play for your state.
“There might be some memories and some remembering of what they did back then, but at the same time this is 2025 and we have to make sure this year is going to be remembered too.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Arthur Beetson’s son and niece address Maroons in camp in lead up to Origin I
League world mocks Gus over try claim
Phil Gould has quickly gone viral and been widely mocked for his call on a NSW Blues no-try in the third Women’s Origin match.
Storm set to sever ties with Queensland feeder clubs
In a development bombshell, Melbourne Storm’s 27-year association with Queensland is over, with the club set to sever ties with the feeder teams that produced their greatest ever players. SPORT CONFIDENTIAL.