http://www.news.com.au/national/art...by-league-legend/story-e6frfkvr-1226211071843Arthur Beetson dead: Heart attack claims rugby league legend
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- news.com.au, AAP
- December 01, 2011 11:05AM
- Arthur Beetson has died aged 66
- League legend suffered a massive heart attack
- Widely considered the godfather of the State of Origin
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Vale: Arthur Beetson has died at the age of 66. He's pictured here as Queensland coach in 1989.
ARTHUR Beetson, a rugby league icon and the godfather of the State of Origin, has died at 66.
The former Queensland legend and Eastern Suburbs forward suffered a heart attack while cycling.
R.I.P. Artie - leave your tributes for Beetson below
Police confirmed Beetson's death on the Gold Coast this morning.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh was quick to pay tribute.
"This morning Queensland has lost one of its legends and one of its favourite sons," she said.
"He was a knockabout bloke from country Queensland, he loved his leagues, he loved his Queensland and his loss will be felt from many."
Beetson, 66, was riding his bike at Paradise Point around 9.15am on Thursday when witnesses said he suffered severe chest pains and ambulance officers were called to treat him at the scene.
Beetson was Queensland's first State of Origin captain in 1980, and coached the Maroons to series wins from 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1989.
He was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2003.
In February 2008, Beetson was named in a list of Australia's 100 Greatest Players (1908-2007) which was commissioned by the NRL and ARL to celebrate the code's centenary year in Australia.
Beetson went on to be named in the front-row in Australian rugby league's Team of the Century.
- with AAP
X2, very sad news. RIP Artie.A true Immortal.
R.I.P.
you might want to give Bomber Peard a call Pete, those 2 were pretty close Peardy will be shattered.First met Artie in 1980, and we continued to be friends since then. He came to town earlier this year to coach the All Stars team against the Hay Magpies. He loved getting out to the bush. He loved promoting Rugby League and meeting people.
Beetso was an All Time Rugby League great, but he was an even better man.
Devastated by his death.
RIP Arch....
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/12/01/3381298.htm?site=riverina§ion=sport&date=(none)
you might want to give Bomber Peard a call Pete, those 2 were pretty close Peardy will be shattered.
Likewise Pete, Artie was one of the most down to earth people I have ever known and I am absolutely devastated, I still can't believe he has gone as I only spoke to him this morning.First met Artie in 1980, and we continued to be friends since then. He came to town earlier this year to coach the All Stars team against the Hay Magpies. He loved getting out to the bush. He loved promoting Rugby League and meeting people.
Beetso was an All Time Rugby League great, but he was an even better man.
Devastated by his death.
RIP Arch....
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/12/01/3381298.htm?site=riverina§ion=sport&date=(none)
I am going to ring Bomber..not just yet though. He will be inundated with calls today, and I don't think Johnny will need any more stress to handle. Just love Bomber and I loved Arthur. Two funny blokes, gentlemen down to their bootlaces. No airs, no graces..just natural people..
Peard had time to talk to 2SM earlier today, a great tribute to Artie. Just hearing John talk about him you could laugh and cry.