Former Australia captain Keith Barnes, nicknamed ‘Golden Boots’, dies aged 89

Former Australia Kangaroos captain and Balmain Tigers rugby league legend Keith Barnes has died, aged 89.

A member of the National Rugby League Hall of Fame and considered one of the finest players of his era, Barnes was one of the greatest players to wear the black and gold of the Tigers.

His death was announced on Monday morning.

Barnes played 194 premiership games for Balmain from 1955 to 1968, never playing in reserve grade.

Nicknamed “Golden Boots”, Barnes was one of the great goal kickers.

He slotted 954 goals in premiership and representative matches, 742 of them for the Tigers.

Barnes played 17 Test and world cup matches for Australia, 14 as captain, kicking 59 goals for the national team.

He played in three grand finals, losing all of them to St George.

A grandstand was named after him at Leichhardt Oval, marking his legendary status in the history of Australian and Balmain rugby league.

“Keith was one of the greatest fullbacks the game has seen,” Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said.

“A wonderful goal kicker 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.”