Prime Minister Julia Gillard today paid tribute to Australian rugby league legend Artie Beetson.
Mr Beetson broke new ground as the first Indigenous Australian to captain a national side in any sport.
His brilliance on the field remains seared into the memory of rugby league fans, and his lengthy contribution to Queensland and Australia as a player and coach were honoured with an Order of Australia in 1987.
Mr Beetson will be remembered as one of Australia's greatest ever players in an iconic period for his sport.
He was also a tireless worker for Indigenous Australians as a member of the Former Origin Greats, inspiring young Australians to finish school and move into jobs.
The Prime Minister extended her deep sympathies to Mr Beetson's family, friends, and the Australian rugby league community.