Tears will be mixed with cheers when Queensland’s rugby league stars visit the home town of State of Origin godfather Arthur Beetson on Wednesday.
The visit to Roma – where Beetson was born and recently-retired great Darren Lockyer grew up – follows the amazing scenes when the Queensland players were mobbed in the streets during a visit to flood-ravaged Emerald last year.
Two of Queensland’s indigenous stars, Sam Thaiday and Greg Inglis, believe the trip to Roma will prove an emotional experience following Beetson’s sudden death on the Gold Coast in February.
“It’s going to be pretty emotional out there; Artie’s home town, Locky’s home town, it’s produced some outstanding rugby league players,” said Thaiday.
“Artie would be very proud we’re visiting his home town and he’ll be there with us for sure.”
The first Indigenous Australian to captain his country in any sport, Beetson’s passion for the Queensland jumper is credited with guaranteeing the success of Origin after he led the Maroons to victory in the first game at Lang Park in 1980.
His son, Mark Beetson, paid Inglis the greatest compliment in a recent interview with Rugby League Week claiming the 25-year-old “could turn out like Dad” as a role model for indigenous children and communities.
“Him (Mark Beetson) saying that gave me goosebumps,” Inglis today AAP on Tuesday.
“What Artie has done for his community and his people was tremendous.
“I’m just doing what I love doing like he did is the best way I can describe it.”
Inglis, who has never been to Roma, admitted it would be an emotional experience personally.
One of his fondest and lasting memories of Beetson was spending a few hours in his company not long before he died.
“It will always stick with me the time we spent sitting together in a hotel lobby in England just chatting about life,” he said.
“Artie left a great legacy behind and it would be good if someone could continue it.”
If you ask Beetson’s son Mark, Inglis is doing just that.