Vale Bill Keato

Men of League were sadden by the passing of the passing of Western Suburbs favourites sons Bill Keato.

The Men of League would like to send our condolences to the family and friend of the late Bill Keato.
 Extracted from the WESTS ASHFIELD LEAGUES CLUB website.

IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT WESTS ASHFIELD LEAGUES CLUB ANNOUNCE THE PASSING OF ONE OF RUGBY LEAGUES GREATS, BILL KEATO.
 
From 1938 – 1950 Bill Keato dominated the position of goal kicking fullback for the mighty Western Suburbs Magpies. Playing over 100 first grade games, Bill made his debut in 1938 despite never having played junior grade football, and received his first playing bonus of £13, £3 of which was spent on new football boots.
 
Bill Keato retains the long standing record for the most points scored for Western Suburbs Magpies (6 tries, 379 goals, 776 points), and has twice scored the most points for any player in a single season in 1949 (163 points) and 1950 (180 points).
 
A 12 year stint in Rugby League saw Bill Keato deny Balmain a third straight premiership and kick six goals in the 1950 Grand Final despite being concussed. The 1950 Grand Final showcased a valiant Bill Keato and the Western Suburbs Magpies take on South Sydney, and despite a heroic effort the Maggies came up short in a notoriously close match. After this game Bill Keato retired as a Western Suburbs Magpie with the status of Rugby League legend.
 
Despite ending his career as a professional footballer, Bill supported the game and his club for a total of 34 years, becoming Treasurer and Club secretary of the Western Suburbs Magpies in the following years.
 
Bill Keato is not only a True Legend of Rugby League, and is also a founding Member of Wests Ashfield Leagues Club.