Former Australia Kangaroos captain and Balmain Tigers rugby league legend Keith Barnes has died, aged 89.
A member of the Nationwide Rugby League Corridor of Fame and thought of one of many best gamers of his period, Barnes was one of many best gamers to put on the black and gold of the Tigers.
His demise was introduced on Monday morning.
Barnes performed 194 premiership video games for Balmain from 1955 to 1968, by no means enjoying in reserve grade.
Nicknamed “Golden Boots”, Barnes was one of many nice objective kickers.
He slotted 954 objectives in premiership and consultant matches, 742 of them for the Tigers.
Barnes performed 17 Take a look at and world cup matches for Australia, 14 as captain, kicking 59 objectives for the nationwide crew.
He performed in three grand finals, shedding all of them to St George.
A grandstand was named after him at Leichhardt Oval, marking his legendary standing within the historical past of Australian and Balmain rugby league.
“Keith was one of many best fullbacks the sport has seen,” Australian Rugby League Fee chairman Peter V’landys stated.
“An exquisite objective kicker and prolific level scorer, he was slight in stature however constructed with extraordinary braveness.
“The tales of Keith’s expertise but additionally importantly his management are famend throughout the sport, having captained the Kangaroos in 14 Take a look at matches.
“Keith’s legend continued properly after his enjoying profession. He was instrumental in guiding so lots of the recreation’s nice gamers – significantly by way of his lengthy affiliation with Balmain.
“He was deservedly recognised for his contribution to the sport with induction into the NRL Corridor of Fame in 2007.”
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