Kevin Humphreys (left) and Queensland boss Ron McAuliffe
Former Balmain player, Kevin Humphreys was appointed the club’s first full time administrator after being honorary secretary the previous year. Humphreys predicted big things from the Tigers in 1966 and was particularly excited by the potential of a signing from Redcliffe in Queensland – Arthur Beetson.
Humphreys and coach Harry Bath attended the 1965 Brisbane Grand final between Redcliffe and Valleys at Lang and signed Beetson and centre, Kevin Yow Yeh after Redcliffe’s 15-2 win, a match in which Gladstone product Yow Yeh scored two tries.
Balmain had missed the finals in 1965 but the club still had faith in Queenslander, Bath who was retained as coach. The Tigers were set for a busy year in ’66 with the Great Britain touring side requesting a game against a Sydney club, with Balmain getting the nod. The Tigers’ playing roster included current and future internationals Keith Barnes, Dennis Tutty, Peter Provan, Geoff Connell (Australia) and David Bolton (Great Britain).
Humphreys was born at Leichardt in the heart of Balmain territory and attended St Thomas Christian Brothers, Lewisham. In seven seasons as a player with the Tigers he appeared in 43 first grade games, including all 18 in 1955.
In January, 1966 Test halfback, Barry Muir was negotiating with Manly-Warringah for a move south from Brisbane Wests but ultimately he remained at the Panthers where he was captain.
Footnote: Humphreys went on to succeed Bill Buckley as President of the Australian Rugby League in 1973. Arguably Humphreys’ greatest legacy – in football terms – was his role in the introduction of State of Origin football in 1980. He and Queensland president, Ron McAuliffe were the driving forces behind the concept, which is now Australia’s most watched domestic sporting event.
McAuliffe briefly succeeded Humphreys as ARL Chairman in 1983 after Humphreys resigned in the wake of a Four Corners investigation into corruption involving Humphreys and Chief Stipendiary Magistrate Murray Farquhar.
Beetson played five seasons with Balmain before joining Eastern Suburbs’ Roosters. He played in the 1966 Grand Final loss to St George, but missed the Tigers win over South Sydney in the 1969 decider because of suspension.
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