The rugby league community is in mourning following the death of Joe Walsh, an unheralded hero of Balmain's famous 1969 premiership victory. Walsh passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 79 after a battle with cancer.
The 1969 Grand Final Upset
Joe Walsh will forever be remembered as a central figure in one of the sport's greatest underdog stories. In 1969, his hard-edged playing style and rugged defence were instrumental in Balmain's shock grand final victory over South Sydney.
This premiership holds a unique place in rugby league history because it was a triumph that nobody predicted. South Sydney were the dominant force of the era, stacked with international players and coming off multiple title wins. In stark contrast, Balmain were written off before kick-off, fielding a side built on grit rather than glamour.
Walsh, recognised for his trademark blonde hair, embodied that backs-to-the-wall mentality. A boy from the bush, he had only joined the club from Barmedman that same year. Former Tigers teammate Paul Cross described it as a fairytale, telling Nine, 'He had a great work rate and tackled anyone that moved - he was one of the best defenders of that era. In the grand final, he was just dynamic and stopped Souths attacker after attacker.'
A Lasting Rugby League Legacy
Walsh's career with the Balmain Tigers spanned from 1969 to 1973, during which he played 53 first-grade games as a tough and reliable second rower.
His time in Sydney was unfortunately interrupted by a knee injury that ruled him out of the entire 1971 season. However, he demonstrated his resilience by returning to the field and finishing his top-grade career two years later.
After leaving Balmain, Walsh continued his profound influence on the game in country NSW. He played for Temora and Quandialla before becoming captain-coach of the Cowra Magpies, whom he steered to a premiership in 1978.
Life After Football
Following his retirement from the sport, Walsh remained a prominent figure in his community. He ran the Riverina Hotel in Wagga Wagga for many years before selling the pub to a Sydney-based hotelier in 2020.
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and those who knew him. One footy fan posted on social media, 'A true gentleman, absolute legend. Leica Tiga. RIP,' a sentiment echoing throughout the rugby league world.
Joe Walsh's legacy is securely woven into the fabric of rugby league history—the boy from the bush who came to the big smoke and helped orchestrate one of the game's most memorable and unlikely victories.
