Profile

Jack “Rubberlegs” Keith, joined Oldham from junior rugby in Hunslet in 1949. This was at the time when the veteran hooker Edgar Brooks was coming to the end of his career and soon Jack was installed as the first choice Watersheddings “striker”.

One of the game’s real characters, Jack was never short of self-confidence and would back himself against any opponent. At nearly six feet, he was tall for a hooker, but an excellent ball provider all the same. In loose play he was always a handful, having a good supporting game which brought him over 60 tries. One of his favourite tricks was, when near the opponents line, he would make as if to pass and then swing right round in a circle and crash over for a try.

Apart from being selected for a “Rugby League Xlll” against the 1956 touring Australians, representative honours eluded Jack. Perhaps being a “Tyke” playing in Lancashire did not do his county chances much good. He did, of course, figure strongly in the success of his club, playing in all the finals during the 1950’s glory days.

He was transferred to Halifax in January 1960, but still shared a benefit with Ken Jackson and Charlie Winslade in that year.