Thousands of people have gathered at memorial services in Sydney and Brisbane to celebrate the life of rugby league legend Arthur Beetson.
Beetson, the first Indigenous Australian to captain a national team in any sport, died from a heart attack on the Gold Coast earlier this month, aged 66.
'Big Artie', as he is affectionately known, played 28 Tests during his career.
More than 3,000 tickets were handed out for today's public memorial service at Brisbane's Lang Park.
Wally Lewis told the crowd Beetson will be remembered as one of Queensland's favourite players.
"When the big fella took to the field for the very first time in a Queensland jersey here at Lang Park, it was the loudest noise I ever heard here at the stadium - the noise was basically deafening," he said.
Queensland Origin great Gene Miles says today was a chance to acknowledge Beetson's contribution to rugby league, as well as his colourful and caring character.
"He captained the first ever State of Origin side and he set the benchmark that night on how State of Origin should be played," he said.
"I was very privileged and honoured to play my first State of Origin match under the coaching of Arthur Beetson.
"We had instant success and whenever any new bloke came into the team, he made them feel very, very welcome and I think that's a side of him that people didn't often get to see."
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has also attended the service, describing Beetson as a "pioneer."
The Brisbane memorial featured tributes from his son Mark Beetson and team-mate Wally Lewis, while a separate service was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Former Sydney Roosters teammate John Peard said Beetson was an inspirational player.
Tags: rugby-league, sport, human-interest, qld, australia, brisbane-4000 First posted December 18, 2011 14:11:04
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