I had been playing first
grade in Sydney. And after the Origin match I was dropped-
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State Of Origin myth
debunked - Artie was picked from Parramatta 1st
grade prior to 1st State of Origin.....
SOURCE - ABC Radio AM program - ABC MORING RADIO
(transcript)
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30/03/2004
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Source of transcript: http://www.abc.net.au/am/s321452.htm
Reporter: John Taylor
CAMILLE FUNNELL: No other sporting event captivates the attention
of Queenslanders like the State of Origin.
Tomorrow the series decider will be played out in Brisbane
in front of a sell-out crowd with the headline attraction
of half-back Allan Langer playing for Queensland. That announcement
for many parallels the State of Origin myth of Artie Beetson,
the man who it said was plucked from Parramatta reserve grade
to captain his side to victory in the first ever game of the
series.
But as John Taylor reports, the problem with the Beetson
myth is, it isn't true.
JOHN TAYLOR: As sporting legends go, it's one cherished by
Queensland rugby league State of Origin fans. In 1980 Artie
Beetson was in the twilight of his career, at 35, winding
down, playing in reserve grade for Parramatta in the New South
Wales competition. But he was chosen to captain the Queensland
side in the first State of Origin match. He played an inspiring
game, leading his team to a 20:10 victory.
COMMENTATOR: Beetson up the centre. Back to Lange. Sends
it away to Meninga. Meninga to Close. Close cutting back the
other way. Catches the defence on the wrong foot. He's broken
through. He's coming up to Eadie. Gets away from Eadie. He's
over underneath!
JOHN TAYLOR: Chris 'Choppy' Close was named man of the match.
But as he recounted years later, the award could easily have
gone to Beetson.
CHRIS CLOSE: I probably just pipped Arthur Beetson, who had
one of the most courageous displays in any sporting event
in Australia for any time. I mean, to play for your state
at 35 years of age, and to play the match that he did, has
really inspired me from then, you know, until now. And I think
that was the birth of the Queensland tradition and the spirit.
And I certainly won man of the match. But I think it could
have gone either way really.
JOHN TAYLOR: This week Queensland selectors announced Allan
'Alfie' Langer, had been recalled from the English league
to play again for his state. In 1999 he'd retired mid-season
from the Australian competition. The Australian newspaper
on page 1 drew parallels to the calling up of Artie Beetson
all those years ago.
REPORTER: It is the biggest selection surprise since Arthur
Beetson, the man regarded as the father of Origin, was plucked
from reserve grade to lead Queensland in the very first Origin
game in 1980.
JOHN TAYLOR: Former Queensland and Australian captain and
now television sports reporter Wally Lewis said much the same
thing in his story as well. And he played alongside Beetson
in that inaugural game.
COMMENTATOR: From deep down there's plenty of maroon jerseys
coming at Anderson. Oliphant up there, and underneath was
Lewis. Nice piece of work!
JOHN TAYLOR: But Artie Beetson says there's only one problem.
ARTIE BEETSON: That's not exactly right John. People say
that because it suits. But I was actually playing first grade.
JOHN TAYLOR: Come again!
ARTIE BEETSON: So, people always said that. Actually the
fact of the matter is that I got dropped after Origin to reserve
grade.
JOHN TAYLOR: Oh, serious!
ARTIE BEETSON: No. Well, that's it. A lot of people don't
know that. But I was plucked out of - I had been playing first
grade in Sydney. And after the Origin match I was dropped.
JOHN TAYLOR: A check with the Parramatta Rugby League Club's
records confirms Artie Beetson is telling the truth. He played
in first grade the game before the State of Origin. And everyone
else has been getting it wrong for more than a decade.
Does it matter?
Only as much as the minutia of history does. Beetson was
still 35, and he still played a great game. And, after all,
Queensland did what it does best - beat New South Wales.
CAMILLE FUNNELL: John Taylor reporting from Queensland.
Appears in the following pages ....P32_Arthur BEETSON
Date of posting ... 09-Jun-2003
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