Beetson to snub league's centenary ball - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Beetson to snub league's centenary ball

17/04/2008 05:34:01 AM Comments (0)

Rugby league is set to unveil its Team of the Century on Thursday night but Arthur Beetson, one of the game's biggest stars, is boycotting the event.

Beetson, an Immortal who will almost certainly be picked in the prestigious side, told Fairfax newspapers he will snub the centenary gala ball because he doesn't agree with the direction the game is headed.

"I won't be there, I've got more important things to do," the former Balmain, Easts and Parramatta forward said.

"I'm just disappointed with what's happened in our game. They (organisers) know I'm not going."

"We're celebrating a hundred years. I've got to be honest, we've got some heroes in our game but they're certainly not administrators," Queensland's first State of Origin captain said.

"They could be pouring money into the game elsewhere. There are so many problems within our game. The referees are an enormous problem." Beetson will likely be a starting front-rower in the side to be unveiled at a black-tie event in Sydney on Thursday night but when asked how he would feel if he was to miss out he said:

"I really don't give a shit. At the end of the day it's just a matter of opinion.

"It'd be nice to be acknowledged but I care more about the direction of the game."

Fellow Immortals Bob Fulton and Graeme Langlands are tipped to be named on the bench, according to News Limited reports.

Queensland's Wally Lewis is certain to be named five-eighth with Dally Messenger, Dave Brown and Mal Meninga in line for a centre spot alongside Reg Gasnier with Clive Churchill at fullback.

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