The NSWRL has been deeply saddened by the passing of former NSW and Australian centre Keith Middleton.
Originally from Bermagui on the NSW south coast, Middleton was recruited to North Sydney in 1948 as a teenager.
In 1950 the 19-year-old centre was selected for NSW in the final interstate game and did well enough to be selected for Australia for the famous Ashes series. He played a crucial part in the historic win, after throwing the final pass for Ron Roberts’ try in the mud to clinch the 5-2 victory in the Third Test that gave Australia the coveted trophy for the first time in 30 years.
Middleton was a noted defender and tremendous all-round player who waged a constant battle with injury. He managed to spend seven seasons with Norths and a final year with South Sydney in 1956 before a knee injury ended his career at 26.
The NSWRL extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends.
