Vale - Arthur Beetson

The Rugby League world today has been rocked with the news that the Immortal Arthur Beetson has tragically passed at the age of 66 on the Gold Coast, QLD.
This article isn't about the details of his death nor a regurgitation of the many wonderful tributes being delivered about this great man. This article is about my brief but wonderful time around Arthur as he was the head coach at the Cronulla Sharks in 1992 when I was playing there. I spent the season through the grades (U/21's and the Reserve Grade) and it was whilst I was playing reserve grade that I got to work with Arthur.
Looking back on that time with the knowledge I have now, I could see Arthur operated on another level and just like other super star players, his transition into being a great coach was somewhat stymied by the students. His vision and cognitive recognition of opportunities in 'game related' formations was second to none and it was people like Brian Canavan were charged with getting the troops physically ready. I remember it being a tough time for Arthur as several of Cronulla's favourite sons, Docking, McGaw, Russell and Miller were getting into the back end of their career and wanted to ensure their opinion was heard on how the team should be run. Arthur did the best he could with what he had, unfortunately I dont think he was able to get the playing staff to understand what he was trying to develop.
My tenure at the Sharks ended in 1992 and I went onto trial at the Roosters in 1993, which Arthur organised for me. I went right through the 1993 preseason only to miss the final two trials with a shoulder injury which cost me any chance of making the team. The Roosters asked me to hang around and come back through the Newtown Jets feeder team, and after 4 weeks there it was clear I wasn't in the environment to make a success of things.
I returned to my home club of De La Salle, Caringbah in 1994 and began the season quite well. I was talking to a couple of the club veterans who basically said to me that I shouldnt be playing at that level and to keep looking for another opportunity to 'make it'.
One of my team mates and I discussed going to the UK to try and crack a start and whilst building a portfolio to get there I was advised to get a CV together of my playing history and a couple of references. I didn't know who to ask for a reference as I thought anybody with some 'clout' in the game or half decent profile wouldn't remember who I was or how I played. I was lucky enough to run into Brian Canavan one day down at Cronulla and I asked him who I should approach to get a few testimonials from. Brian told me to leave it with him and within a week I had recieved a glowing testimonial from Arthur Beetson. I managed to obtain another from Les Davidson and after sending them abroad I secured a start with Batley Bulldogs in Yorkshire.
I had a few more twists and turns in my career, but I can categorically say that if it wasn't for the testimonials I wouldn't have gone onto play in the UK, then return to play in the NRL for 3 years and then return to the UK to play for 2 more seasons and finally for Scotland in the 2000 World Cup.
I am sure lots of people have stories about Arthur Beetson and how he always had plenty of time for people. This is my version, and knowing my situation wouldn't be what it is today without going through all the phases that I have, I am happy to acknowledge the contribution from Arthur Beetson towards my life and how proud I am to have known the man.
Rest in Peace Arthur, a true icon, a true pioneer and a true inspiration to all Australians.