Another awards night, another Arthur Beetson no show.

However, the Queensland Rugby League have defended the legend's decision not to attend their Team of the Century dinner in Brisbane.

The rugby league Immortal caused a furore when he ditched the Centenary Ball in Sydney in April where he was named in the Australian Team of the Century.

Beetson boycotted the black tie evening in Sydney to protest what he perceived to be problems with the state of the game.

Queensland's foundation Origin captain has also told the QRL he will not be at their night of nights at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

But QRL managing director Ross Livermore said it was not personal.

He said Beetson would attend the Queensland Team of the Century's public unveiling during Origin II at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

It is believed a public speaking engagement has prevented Beetson from attending on Tuesday.

"He came to see me. He genuinely has a work commitment but provided a pre-recorded message (for tonight) and he will be out there tonight on the field when they present the team to the public," Livermore said.

"It's not him snubbing Queensland league.

"He has a genuine love for it.

"But he has a business commitment that he gets paid for, he's got to earn money.

"He would have liked to have been there but he's got to work and we accept that."

Beetson was roundly criticised along with Peter Sterling for missing April's Centenary Ball in Sydney.

Livermore was disappointed Beetson could not attend but understood his decision.

"It would have been great for indigenous people to have their patriarch - I suppose you could call him - there," he said.

"Lionel Morgan - the first indigenous player to play for Australia from Queensland - was invited and seen as someone who could represent Arthur (tonight) in the team announcement but he has not been in good health and won't be there unfortunately."

Beetson, Wally Lewis and Mal Meninga are certainties for Queensland's team of the century after making the Australian team at the Centenary Ball.

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