The Mole: Balmain Tigers grand final hero dies at 79 after cancer battle
Joe Walsh - one of the heroes of Balmain Tigers' legendary 1969 grand final win - has died.
A tough-tackling second-rower from the Riverina, Walsh died from cancer on Tuesday morning, aged 79.
The snowy-haired forward was a key member of the Balmain team that beat Souths in what is still regarded as the greatest upset in grand final history in 1969.
READ MORE: Fears for Paul's health spread as $282m fight confirmed
READ MORE: 'Your loss is felt hard': Athletes grapple with tragic death
READ MORE: Boland leaves past Ashes nightmare behind him
"He only came to the club from the bush that year so it really was a fairytale for Joe," said former Tigers team-mate and tryscoring winger Paul Cross.
Joe Walsh playing for Balmain in 1969. Fairfax Media
"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."
Walsh only played five seasons with the Tigers before returning to the bush, where he had a long career.
He led Cowra Magpies, to a premiership in 1978 - a team that included a young Royce Simmons.
A host of former Balmain stars are expected to attend his funeral in Wagga next week.
