‘The original golden boot’ and Balmain Tigers great Keith Barnes dies, age 89

Balmain Tigers’ legend, Keith Barnes, is being honoured by the rugby league community for his remarkable sporting prowess following his passing at the age of 89.

Hailing from South Wales originally, Barnes embarked on a journey to Australia during his teenage years. There, he carved out a legendary career as a fullback, renowned not only for his remarkable goalkicking prowess but also for earning the moniker “Golden Boots”.

Inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2007, Barnes left a lasting mark on the sport. As a former Australian Test captain, he represented the Kangaroos in 17 Tests, showcasing his exceptional skills on the field.

In 2009, a grand gesture honoured Barnes’ legacy when the grandstand at Leichhardt Oval, the spiritual home of Balmain, was renamed in his honour.

This gesture reflected his significant contributions to the Balmain club, where he amassed 1519 points across 194 games as a player, later transitioning to roles as coach and administrator.

Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys AM was among the first to pay tribute to the late sporting icon.

“Keith was one of the greatest fullbacks the game has seen,” V’landys said.

“A wonderful goalkicker and prolific pointscorer, 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.”

A sea of tributes from the rugby league community quickly followed, many reflecting on both his on-field brilliance and the “great person” he was off the field.

Vale Keith Barnes.

Media Release: https://t.co/sZNuj5HgEL pic.twitter.com/FEwStn32Dg

— NRL (@NRL) April 8, 2024

Keith Barnes
1934 – 2024
🐅🐅🐅🐅😢 pic.twitter.com/tt95jNz7HD

— Balmain Tigers (@tigers1908) April 8, 2024

‘To know Keith Barnes, even a little, was to know a rare pearl among footballers of this generation,’ wrote journalist Pat Farrell in 1968. ‘This was the noblest Tiger of them all.’ #RIP pic.twitter.com/FQhppcXi9N

— Geoff Armstrong (@garmstrong61) April 8, 2024

Sad to hear of the death of the great Keith Barnes. He was the original “golden boot”. He’d kick goals from everywhere with a leather ball and his “toe poke” technique. Great player, great person. Vale Keith Barnes.

— Ian Maurice (@ian_maurice) April 8, 2024

Wests Tigers are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Balmain legend, Keith Barnes.
Golden Boots will be forever remembered 🕊️https://t.co/lEQOtzrPR1

— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) April 8, 2024

The RLPA sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Keith Barnes following his passing.

Keith is a legend of rugby league having amassed 193 first grade games for the Balmain Tigers in the 1950s and 1960s. pic.twitter.com/pNMhAeaKBt

— RLPA | Rugby League Players’ Association (@RLPlayers) April 8, 2024

On Sunday, April 14, Wests Tigers will honour Barnes during their match against the Dragons at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

-with AAP.