Image: National Library of Australia
Childhood memories. Footy on the wireless. Ashes Test matches against Great Britain, the Chooms. And at the back for the Kangaroos was their captain, Keith Barnes, toe-poke goal-kicker extraordinaire and stout defender. Nicknamed ‘Golden Boots’ for his goal-kicking prowess. In the NSWRL he was Balmain personified, ‘the greatest Tiger of them all’ according to some. Great enough to have a grandstand named after him at Leichhardt Oval. Respected and revered, a long-term administrator, a member of the Hall of Fame. There wasn’t a lot of him – 178cms, 74kgs) – but there was so much in him!
Keith Barnes passed away today at the age of 89. He is being remembered as one of the greatest rugby league players of his era and, perhaps, of the twentieth century. Some might argue that if there hadn’t been a bloke named Clive Churchill, then Barnes would have been chosen as fullback in the code’s Team of the Century.
Here are a couple of the tributes flowing today:
from the NRL;
from leading rugby league journalists Dean Ritchie and Phil Rothfield. Make sure you about about his match-winner against St George at Leichhardt Oval in 1960. The stuff of legends!
To read more about Keith’s life click HERE.
To read Alan Whiticker’s assessment of Keith and see his full record as a player click HERE.
Childhood memories leave lifelong imprints.
Valé Keith Barnes. RIP.
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
A wonderful series of tributes, Ian, thank you!
Yes, childhood memories: I remember watching the mid-week Tooth Cup-Amco Cup-Panasonic Cup, with Keith Barnes as a commentator.
Of course, his accent stood out, however, to then learn of his playing record, what a player, and what a servant of the game we love.
The Keith Barnes Stand at Leichhardt Oval – the suburban ground – a topic of debate and discussion recently – c’mon PLV & the NRL: purchase Leichhardt Oval, preserve the history, build a museum, and also pour some much-needed money into bush footy while you are at it!
RIP Keith Barnes
Evocative piece Ian well done. Makes me want to read more about Keith.