Talking Footy

NSWAFL wrote:

As I said. They know!

NSWAFL wrote:

Just wondering, when was the last time the NRL was mentioned in a Parliamentary report on the UK?

British Parliament honours Arthur Beetson

Rugby league great Arthur Beetson has been honoured in the British Parliament by the tabling of a motion recognising his outstanding achievements and the legacy he left in England from his time as a player at Hull Kingston Rovers and with the Australian team.
The motion noted with "sadness" the passing of Beetson this month and paid tribute to the contribution he made to the game and the indigenous community.
Kingston Upon Hull East MP Karl Turner, who tabled the motion, said: "Artie was a legend in the game. His loss will be felt by all in rugby league, including those fans of Hull KR who were fortunate to see him play.
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Artie Beetson dead at 66
Arthur Beetson in 1974. Photo: Fairfax Archives











"He was the first indigenous Australian to captain his country in any sport and has won many accolades, including being named as one of Australia's best 100 players and the Australian Order of Merit for his services to rugby league.
"It was a privilege for Hull KR to have him as a player and I know all in the club offer their thoughts to his family."
Chairman of the Parliamentary Rugby League Group, Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland, added: "There is a long tradition of sharing players between Australia and the UK.
"Artie was one of the greatest that has graced our shores and the loss of a player of his calibre and iconic status is a tragedy. I know all of us in the Parliamentary Rugby League Group were greatly saddened by his passing and offer our condolences to his family."
The motion read: "That this house notes with sadness the death of rugby league legend Arthur 'Artie' Beetson; remembers that 'Artie' played for Hull Kingston Rovers with great distinction and has left a legacy in East Hull that has not diminished over the years; further notes that he was named in the team of the century and is a member of the Rugby League Hall of Fame; recognises that he went on to be the first Aboriginal to captain any Australian national sporting team; further recognises his inspiring effect on indigenous Australians, encouraging many to take up not only sport but education and employment opportunities; and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family."
Beetson played for Hull KR in 1968 during an off-season stint while at Balmain, which he joined from Redcliffe in 1966.
He then moved to Eastern Suburbs for nine seasons until 1979, when he switched to Parramatta for two years before returning to Redcliffe for his swansong in 1981.
A public tribute for Beetson will be held at the SCG on Sunday from 1pm.