Balmain Tigers great Keith Barnes has been celebrated as one of rugby league’s greatest ever players after his death at the age of 89.
Barnes, who was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2007, was a previous Australian Test captain and represented the Kangaroos in 17 Tests.
Born in South Wales before moving to Australia in his teens, Barnes was renowned as a fullback with a brilliant goalkicking ability, which earned him the nickname “Golden Boots’‘.
Newsletters: Our top sports news direct to your inbox. Subscribe now 
The grandstand at Balmain’s spiritual home of Leichhardt Oval was renamed in Barnes’ honour in 2009.
The move was done to recognise Barnes’ efforts for the Balmain club, where he scored 1519 points as a player across 194 games, before serving as coach and later as an administrator.
Wests Tigers paid tribute to the icon.
“Keith will be remembered as one of the all-time greats of the game, and a man whose name is synonymous with the Tigers,” said CEO Shane Richardson.
“He was a wonderfully gifted player but more than that, he was a tremendous person, a true gentleman, and a brilliant leader.
“On behalf of Wests Tigers, I extend our sincerest condolences to Keith’s family and his many friends.”
ARL commission chairman Peter V’landys also paid tribute.
“Keith was one of the greatest fullbacks the game has seen,” he 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.”
– AAP
