How Artie motivates young gun

DRAGONS prop Josh Kerr has revealed how a slice of history he shares with NRL Immortal Arthur Beetson is motivating his desire to emulate “Artie” by playing State of Origin for Queensland.

The rise of Kerr (pictured) continues today when the 112kg hulk starts for the third time in his NRL career in St George Illawarra’s clash with the Titans at Suncorp Stadium.

Suncorp was formerly known as Lang Park, which became the spiritual home for Beetson when, at age 35, he famously captained Queensland in the inaugural Origin showdown with NSW in 1980.

Kerr, 24, wasn’t born at the time but he shares a special link with Beetson.

The well-built bookend is the first indigenous prop since Beetson 50 years ago to emerge from Redcliffe to play in the first-grade premiership.

Kerr, a Redcliffe junior, will never forget their only meeting just before Beetson’s death in 2011. “In Grade 8, I met him … I was about 14,” Kerr said.

“There was a FOGS (Former Origin Greats) event at Suncorp and it was a development day for indigenous kids.

“I went along and saw Artie and was blown away.

“I knew Artie was an Immortal. When I walked up to him, I couldn’t get the words out of my mouth.

“Artie said to me, ‘You are a big fella’. At the time I was in the Broncos development squad and he said, ‘I have a mate at the Wests Tigers, give me your number, here’s my number and I can try to help you out’.

“I was blown away that Artie would try to help me … he inspires me to be the best I can in my NRL career.”