QLD:Qld to farewell Beetson at memorial

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2011
QLD:Qld to farewell Beetson at memorial

BRISBANE, Dec 17 AAP - Queenslanders will say goodbye to their sporting hero at a public
memorial for Arthur Beetson at Suncorp Stadium.

The former Australian, Queensland and Sydney Roosters rugby league champion died earlier
this month after suffering a heart attack. He was 66.

A public memorial will be held on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium (also known as Lang Park),
the ground where Beetson helped ignite the Queensland-NSW rivalry in the inaugural State
of Origin game in 1980, and where his statue now stands guard.

Thousands are expected at the service, where Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Queensland
league legend Wally Lewis will deliver public tributes.

Beetson's son Mark and cousin Jack will also speak.

The service, which commences at noon, Brisbane time (1pm AEDT) will be televised on
screens at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

A private funeral was held at the Dolphin Oval in Redcliffe last week, where Beetson
began his career in 1964.

AAP pbc/jnb

KEYWORD: BEETSON

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