Wests Tigers will tonight acknowledge an important milestone in the history of Leichhardt Oval with the 100th anniversary of the Keith Barnes Stand.
The stand, the first to be built at this historic ground, was officially opened by the then Mayor of Leichhardt, James Powell Treadgold, in 1913, but remained nameless until June, 2009.
Balmain Tigers and Wests Tigers officially named the stand The Keith Barnes Stand in honour of the former Balmain, NSW and Australian full-back Keith Golden Boots Barnes who went on to become one of the Tigers greatest ever administrators.
With the Leichhardt Oval field then running the opposite way to how it is today, the old grandstand housed smaller dressing rooms for both teams and referees until the later construction of the Norm 'Latchem' Robinson Grandstand.
It was a tremendous honour when they unveiled it that night against Penrith in my name. It is a very surreal feeling still when I walk into Leichhardt Oval and see my name on top of the grandstand, Barnes said.
It is an honour I will always cherish.
Barnes said the construction of the main grandstand later saw the old stand become a recreation room better known as Wimpys Well.
Ray was a keen Balmain supporter and committee man. His nick-name was 'Wimpy' and he provided a facility for the players to go to after training for a coffee or something to eat, Barnes said.
Following each Balmain game at Leichhardt, the players, officials and their wives would often meet there for a drink. It became a great place for everyone to socialise together.
BUY TICKETS FOR THE LAST GAME AT LEICHHARDT OVAL IN 2013
The stand, the first to be built at this historic ground, was officially opened by the then Mayor of Leichhardt, James Powell Treadgold, in 1913, but remained nameless until June, 2009.
Balmain Tigers and Wests Tigers officially named the stand The Keith Barnes Stand in honour of the former Balmain, NSW and Australian full-back Keith Golden Boots Barnes who went on to become one of the Tigers greatest ever administrators.
With the Leichhardt Oval field then running the opposite way to how it is today, the old grandstand housed smaller dressing rooms for both teams and referees until the later construction of the Norm 'Latchem' Robinson Grandstand.
It was a tremendous honour when they unveiled it that night against Penrith in my name. It is a very surreal feeling still when I walk into Leichhardt Oval and see my name on top of the grandstand, Barnes said.
It is an honour I will always cherish.
Barnes said the construction of the main grandstand later saw the old stand become a recreation room better known as Wimpys Well.
Ray was a keen Balmain supporter and committee man. His nick-name was 'Wimpy' and he provided a facility for the players to go to after training for a coffee or something to eat, Barnes said.
Following each Balmain game at Leichhardt, the players, officials and their wives would often meet there for a drink. It became a great place for everyone to socialise together.
BUY TICKETS FOR THE LAST GAME AT LEICHHARDT OVAL IN 2013
