Former Australia prop Arthur Beetson has died aged 66 after collapsing while cycling.
Legendary prop played 29 times for the Kangaroos
Former Australia and Hull KR prop Arthur Beetson has died aged 66 after collapsing while cycling on the Gold Coast.
Beetson played for Balmain, Eastern Suburbs - the team now known as Sydney Roosters - and Parramatta, as well as in England with the Robins.
He played in 29 Tests for the Kangaroos, skippering them at the 1975 and 1977 World Cups - becoming the first indigenous Australian to captain his country in any sport.
Beetson then went on to coach of Queensland, Eastern Suburbs and, briefly, Australia before being appointed recruitment officer for the renamed Roosters. He entered the national rugby league hall of fame in 2003.
The Roosters said in a statement: "The Sydney Roosters are devastated to hear about the sudden death of club and rugby league legend, Arthur Beetson.
"One of rugby league's most well respected and liked characters, Artie will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone associated with the Roosters.
Immortal
"His combined passion for club, state and his indigenous heritage was inspiring to all Australians and will never be forgotten."
NRL boss David Gallop added: "Arthur was such an imposing figure in so many ways that I think everyone is having trouble accepting that this has happened.
"It is almost impossible to do justice to his contribution to the game and the affect that he had on the lives of so many people.
"He was an immortal, named in the team of the century, a member of the hall of fame - he was a true champion.
"Throughout his career he championed both the bush and indigenous Australia and inspired young players."
Beetson, by then a veteran, also captained Queensland to victory in the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980.
Australian Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr added his own tribute, recalling the 1980 Origin match.
"Others may have made it possible but Arthur gave birth to the passion of Origin," Carr said.
"He was 35 years old and at the back end of a great career and he led all the way."
