The legacy lives on as another Beetson dons the Tricolours.
Billy Beetson, grandson of Roosters legend and Rugby League Immortal Arthur Beetson, has been selected for the Eastern Suburbs Touch Association (ESTA) representative side, The Eastern Suburbs Roosters.
Despite being only 7 years old, Billy is a stand-out player in the Under 10’s side who recently travelled to Port Macquarie to compete in the New South Wales Junior State Cup.
The Junior State Cup one of the largest touch competitions in the world, and undoubtedly the largest in Australia. The Eastern Suburbs Roosters were able to field teams in all age groups, from Under 10s through to Under 18s, in both Boys and Girls divisions.
Unfortunately, the Under 10’s side did not find much success throughout the competition, but in showing wisdom beyond his years and the humility that made his grandfather great, young Billy was able to put things in perspective.
“I was a little mad because we lost games!” Billy smiled. “The other teams were a bit bigger than us, but we still tried hard.”
“But we play because it’s fun, it’s not always about winning, sometimes it’s about losing.”
Billy, with his cheeky personality and healthy competitive streak, loves playing sport and has been doing so since he was just 4 years old.
“I’ve always been the fastest!” he declared. “I play touch footy for Easts, rugby league, Oztag, and next year I want to play basketball!”
“I love playing with my mates, I get to make loads of friends when I play sport.”
Billy’s face lights up when asked about his favorite parts of football.
“Going onto the field, running fast, stepping, and scoring tries! It’s the greatest game in my life!”
It seems Billy knows his way to the try line, averaging 4 tries a game.
“My best is 10 in one game,” Billy said. “They can’t catch me, I’m too fast!”
Billy said he was thrilled when he was presented with his ESTA Roosters jersey in February.
“It’s just like Pops! I’m happy because I’m wearing the same jersey as him. I hope to be as good as him!”
Billy understands why Arthur Beetson meant so much to so many people.
“He was a leader of the Roosters and he was generous,” he smiled. “I think he liked talking and he was a beast at tackling! He played for a lot of clubs and he was also a coach, so he made a lot of friends. His friends were like his family, and he knew Brad Fittler!”
“That’s what’s good about sport, you get to make lots of friends.”
Billy has his sights firmly set on the top, declaring he won’t stop playing football until he’s made the big league.
“I’m going to play every year until I’m here in the Roosters with the big guys”
“I want to play in the top league because everyone will be watching me, my family, my friends, and also my Poppy and heaven.”
To celebrate the exciting new partnership between the Eastern Suburbs Touch Association (ESTA) and the Sydney Roosters, the Roosters are dedicating the Round 2 clash to showcase ESTA's representative teams.
The Under 10's and Under 18's sides will take the field at halftime to treat Roosters fans to a demo game of touch football against the Bulldogs. You can watch Billy Beetson playing in the Under 10's, just look for the speedy boy with the flowing blond hair!
