In 1963, Arthur began his career with Roma Cities. Arthur joined the Redcliffe Dolphins in 1964. Arthur was a member of Redcliffe’s 1965 premiership. Arthur played for Redcliffe over two seasons. In 1966, Arthur joined the Balmain Tigers. Arthur was a member of Balmain’s 1966 Grand Final and 1969 premiership. Arthur played 74 games for Balmain over 5 seasons (6 tries, 1 field goal). Arthur played 12 games for Hull KR in 1968 (1 try). In 1971, Arthur joined the Eastern Suburbs Roosters. Arthur was a member of Eastern Suburbs’ 1972 Grand Final. In 1974, Arthur was appointed the captain of Eastern Suburbs. Arthur led Eastern Suburbs to back-to-back premierships in 1974-75. Arthur captain-coached Eastern Suburbs from 1977-78. Arthur played 145 games for Eastern Suburbs over 8 seasons (18 tries). In 1979, Arthur joined the Parramatta Eels. Arthur played 23 games for Parramatta over 2 seasons (1 try). In 1981, Arthur rejoined the Redcliffe Dolphins for one final season 1981, captain-coaching Redcliffe to the 1981 Grand Final. In total, Arthur played 56 games for Redcliffe (13 tries).
From 1966-77 Arthur played 7 games for City Firsts. In 1966, Arthur represented Sydney. Arthur played 18 games for New South Wales from 1966-77 (18 tries). Arthur played 3 games for Queensland from 1980-81. Arthur captained Queensland for one game in 1980. Arthur played 29 test matches for Australia from 1966-77 (1 try). Arthur captained Australia from 1973-77. In 1973 Arthur became the first Indigenous Australian to captain Australia. In 1981 Arthur played 2 games for Combined Brisbane in the 1981 Tooth Cup.
Arthur coached Redcliffe in 1982. Arthur was appointed Queensland coach from 1981-84 for 10 games (7 wins). Arthur coached Australia in 1983 for 1 game. Arthur was appointed coach of Eastern Suburbs in 1985. Arthur coached Eastern Suburbs for 97 games across three seasons (42 wins, 9 draws). Arthur coached Queensland for a second time from 1989-90 for 6 games (4 wins). In 1992, Arthur was appointed coach of the Cronulla Sharks. Arthur coached Cronulla for 44 games across 2 seasons (17 wins). In 1994 Arthur returned to Eastern Suburbs for 6 games (2 wins).
From 1991, Arthur was a member of ABC’s Saturday afternoon telecasts.
Arthur passed away on December 1 2011
In 1975, Arthur was named NSW Sports Star of the Year. In 1987, Arthur was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. In 2000, Arthur was selected as a prop in the Sydney Roosters Team of the Century. In 2004, Arthur was inducted as the 7th Immortal. In 2008, Arthur was chosen for the; Australian Team of the Century (prop), Queensland Team of the Century (second-row), Indigenous Team of the Century (prop), Balmain Team of the Century, as well as the Toowoomba and South West Team of the Century (second-row). Also, in 2008, Arthur was selected as one of Australia’s 100 Greatest Players. In 2009, Arthur was inducted into the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame. In 2012, a statue of Arthur was unveiled at Suncorp Stadium. In 2012, Arthur was elevated to legend status in the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame. In 2017, Arthur was inducted into the NSWRL Hall of Fame. In 2018, Arthur was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame. In 2022, a stand at the Sydney Football Stadium was named after Arthur. Also, in 2022, Arthur was selected in the second-row in the BRL Team of the Century. Beginning in 2023, the Dolphins and Sydney Roosters will play for the Arthur Beetson Cup, with the player of the match awarded the Arthur Beetson medal