Keith "Golden Boots" Barnes

Barnes had played rugby union both in Wales and Australia before commencing a junior career in rugby league at five-eighth. Slowly Barnes began to gain attention as a goal kicker and emerging fullback.

After playing for Country 2nd's, Latchem Robinson brought Barnes to Balmain where he the fans nicknamed him "Golden Boots" for his accurate goal kicking. In his first year at Balmain in 1955 he scored 123 points, and then bettered this mark the following season. He would lead the Tigers into the 1956 Grand Final by kicking 17 goals in the 2 matches preceding the Grand Final, but unfortunately his 3 goals in the Grand Final were not enough to lift the Tigers to victory against the dominant St George Dragons who won the match 18-12.

In 1957 Barnes would fulfil his dream of playing for his adopted country Australia in the World Cup. In 1959 he was selected as captain of the Australian side that played New Zealand before leading his side on the Kangaroo Tour.

In 1964 and 1966 Barnes led his Tigers to the Grand Final but again the Dragons were too strong. In his last Test, Barnes kicked 3 goals in Australia's 6-4 victory. His final kick for Australia was a pressure kick that won Australia the 2nd Test.

Injury ruled Barnes out of the 3rd Test which Australia won, but he had played his part in the Series victory.

In 1968 Barnes who was coach of the Tigers was forced to come out of retirement and complete the 1968 season due to injuries to his team. His final match as a Tiger was his 200th, which stood for many years as a club record. As a player Barnes was much more than just a great goalkicker, he was a stout defender who would provide a formidable last line of defence and an inspirational leader who led not only his beloved Tigers, but his adopted country.

After his playing career ended at Balmain, Barnes continued his long association with the Tigers in administration, football management and eventually his position on the Board, retiring in 2001. Keith Barnes has been a major part of the Balmain Tigers since 1955 and over the years as an administrator, Barnes instilled a sense of loyalty in the players at the club that was the catalyst for building a side that would display the Tiger spirit of old during the 1980's. You need only have watched and listen to Keith Barnes when he spoke at the after match presentations to understand the Tiger spirit and loyalty that comes from within.