League: Meninga to honour Beetson in Queensland role

Mal Meninga. Photo / Getty Images

Mal Meninga has stressed the importance of carrying on Arthur Beetson's legacy after signing a four-year deal that expands his role as Queensland State of Origin coach.

Meninga said the emphasis in his now full-time job will be identification and retention of talent while also guiding Queensland's successful Origin team.

Meninga was speaking on Friday, a day after the death of "father figure" and fellow Maroons legend Beetson from a heart attack.

"It was a sad and tragic day yesterday for all Queenslanders in particular with the passing away of Arthur Beetson," Meninga said.

"It certainly reinforces the fact that losing an icon like that, someone else has to step up.

"We don't want to let him down. Arthur resembles the spirit of Origin.

"He was our first captain and our first spiritual leader. It'd be great if we can honour him in some fashion."

Meninga, who has coached Queensland to six straight Origin series victories, admitted the Maroons would struggle to replace champion five-eighth Darren Lockyer, who retired after guiding Australia to a Four Nations triumph last month.

"Darren's been a great player and a great ambassador for Queensland," Meninga said.

"We're going to sorely miss him. We can't replace him but we move on.

"We've got some great young kids coming through our system and we've just got to make sure they're ready for it."

Meninga said he would focus on a new Queensland high performance unit incorporating the Maroons emerging squad and the state youth teams.

- AAP