Rugby League world rocked by death of Keith Barnes as tributes flow for Balmain great

The rugby league world has been left saddened by news of the death of former Australia captain and NRL Hall of Famer Keith Barnes. A legend of the Balmain club, Barnes passed away on Monday morning at Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital. He was 89.

Barnes was nicknamed 'Golden Boots' for his prodigious kicking ability and accuracy at goal and was regarded as one of the true gentlemen of the sport. He played 194 games for the Balmain Tigers between 1955 and 1968, playing a part in three grand finals during his time with the club.

He was considered one of the finest fullbacks of his era and one of the greatest league players of the 20th century and kicked 742 goals during a glittering first grade career for Balmain. Barnes only ever played first grade footy for Balmain and finished his career with 11 tries and 1519 points for the club.

Barnes was an iconic figure at the Tigers and had a grandstand named after him at his beloved Leichhardt Oval in 2009. His incredible career also included 17 Tests for Australia, with Barnes captaining the Kangaroos in 14 of them. He played in the 1957 and 1960 World Cups, as well as the Kangaroos' tour of Europe in 1959.

League world pays tribute to Balmain legend Keith Barnes

Australian Rugby League Commission Chair Peter V’landys said praised Barnes' contribution to the sport and the leadership qualities he showcased across a phenomenal career. “Keith was one of the greatest fullbacks the game has seen,” Mr V’landys said. “A wonderful goalkicker and prolific point scorer, he was slight in stature but built with extraordinary courage.

“The stories of Keith’s skills but also importantly his leadership are renowned across the game, having captained the Kangaroos in 14 Test matches. Keith’s legend continued well after his playing career. He was instrumental in guiding so many of the game’s great players – particularly through his long association with Balmain.

”He was deservedly recognised for his contribution to the game with induction into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2007. On behalf of the Commission, I extend our sincerest condolences to Keith’s family, and all those who knew him.”

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Barnes also represented NSW 11 times in interstate games before the days of State of Origin and received an Order of Australia for his contributions to the game. Following his playing career, Barnes was the secretary and CEO of the Balmain Tigers and and became very close with many of the club's greats of that era including Steve 'Blocker' Roach, Paul Sironen and Benny Elias.

Veteran broadcaster Ray Hadley described Barnes as a "confidante" and a "friend" and praised the influence he had on the commentator's career. "He was one of the finest gentlemen I've ever come across in rugby league," Hadley said. "He's had a long and successful life and obviously passing away is very sad for his beloved family and all the Balmain fans that loved Keith."

"He was just one of those ornaments to the game, there was never any drama in him. He was firm but always fair and most of the players, in fact all of the players I know hugely respect him.... They all loved him.

Hadley admits there will be plenty of heavy hearts at the funeral service for Barnes. "It'll be a sad day, Blocker will be very distressed, 'Siro' will be distressed, Benny, all the Balmain players because he was just a mentor and a wonderful man to a lot of young fellas who've for obvious reasons gone on to be successful in other areas of their life."