It is with great sadness that the WSDRLFC announce the passing of one of the true gentlemen of rugby league, Bill Keato.
Bill joined Western Suburbs from Liverpool and made his first grade debut in 1938 and stayed with Wests until his retirement after the 1950 grand final, his playing career only interrupted due to his war service during WW2. He was one of the games great fullbacks and goalkickers during his playing career.
He was a member of the Magpies 1948 premiership winning side that defeated Balmain in the grand final and also played in the 1950 grand final loss to Souths. Immediately after his retirement, he became Treasurer of the football club in 1951 and held that post until 1974 when he moved up to be the club's secretary for the rest of that year.
Bill played 120 first grade matches for Western Suburbs scoring 6 tries and kicking 379 goals for a tally of 776 points - a record for the Western Suburbs club. He was the club's leading pointscorer on 7 occasions - 1940, 1942, 1946 through to 1950. He was the NSWRL's leading pointscorer in 1949 (163 points) & 1950 (180 points). He is a life member of the WSDRLFC and was inducted into the Western Suburbs Hall of Fame in 2010.
Western Suburbs and indeed rugby league has lost one its most kindest, gentlest and wonderful souls. Bill will be sadly missed by all and all of our thoughts and prayers are extended to his family and friends.
The funeral for the late Bill Keato will be held at 12.00pm on Wednesday, 10th October at Macquarie Park Cemetery & Crematorium – Delhi & Plessey Roads, North Ryde.
1 comment:
Not a household name to some but was wests equivalent to mick cronin or Keith Barnes as a prolific point scorer for the club . RIP Bill Keato.
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