One of the many memorable moments in the illustrious career of the late Keith Barnes occurred against the Dragons at Leichhardt Oval in 1960.
Barnes, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 89, is a Tigers legend who played 194 games for Balmain between 1955 and 1968, competing in three grand finals.
A goal-kicking maestro, Barnes had a grandstand named in his honour at the ‘eighth wonder of the world' in 2009, and his name is also carried on Wests Tigers Player of the Year award, the Kelly-Barnes Medal.
The Welsh-born fullback, nicknamed Golden Boots, kicked 742 goals for Balmain along with 11 tries and one field goal for a total of 1519 points.
Five of those goals, including one from his own half, were kicked against the Dragons at Leichhardt Oval on 29th May 1960.
Such was the enormity of his impact on the outcome of this game, Barnes was carried from the field by fans.
The amazing goal broke a 15-all deadlock late in the game and he kicked another goal on full-time to secure a 19-15 victory for the Tigers.
It should be remembered that this win was against the all-conquering Dragons team which would string together 11 consecutive premierships, a side that included the likes of Rugby League Immortals Reg Gasnier and Norm Provan.
The iconic moment has been recorded as follows in the official Rugby League Annual, written by David Middleton.
May 29, 1960 – Balmain fullback Keith “Golden Boots” Barnes kicks one of the game’s greatest goals in a club match against St George at Leichhardt Oval. From a penalty, Barnes lines up the kick, six metres inside his own half and out wide. Saints captain Ken Kearney replaces himself on the mark with giant second-rower Norm Provan. Barnes moves back a further three metres and lands the goal with ease. Balmain win 19-15.
Wests Tigers will honour Keith Barnes at Sunday’s match against the Dragons at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
