UK Parliament pays tribute to Arthur Beetson

The UK Parliamentary Rugby League Group has paid tribute to the untimely passing of rugby league legend Athur ‘Artie’ Beetson.

They have tabled a motion recognising his outstanding achievements in the sport and the legacy he left from his time as a player at Hull Kingston Rovers. Beetson is pictured with Anthony Minichiello in 2005.

An Early Day Motion was tabled by Kingston Upon Hull East MP Karl Turner who 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.  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 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.”