NRL world in mourning after death of patriarch of talented Aussie sporting family Steve Keir

The NRL and wider rugby league community is paying tribute to Steve Keir after the former Raiders, Roosters and Bears player died on Sunday after a battle with cancer. The patriarch of his talented sporting family, Keir was 62.

Keir was a foundation player for the Canberra Raiders in 1983 and won the reserve grade premiership with Eastern Suburbs in 1986. He played 17 games at first-grade level across stints with Canberra, Easts and the North Sydney Bears.

The Keirs are one of the most talented sporting families in Australia, with son Daniel a current NRL player with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Daniel made his NRL debut in 2024 with the Parramatta Eels and ran out for Souths in the NSW Cup this weekend with his father gravely ill.

Steve's daughter Lauren played for Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers in the W-League, and his other daughter Ashley was a pro tennis player on the WTA Tour. His wife Dianne played rep hockey and squash.

NRL world pays tribute to Steve Keir

Keir was the 'heart and soul' of the Gungahlin Bulls Rugby League Club in the ACT for nearly four decades, holding multiple roles both on and off the field. The club wrote on social media on Sunday night: "The true strength of a community club isn't measured in trophies - it's measured in the people who show up year after year, giving their time so others can belong.

"They are the backbone of every generation that follows. Steve was this very person; from player, captain, coach all the way through to club president. Our thoughts and prayer's are with Di, Ashley, Lauren and Daniel in this difficult time."

The club's captain-coach Matt Frawley - a former Canberra Raiders player - said earlier this week: "He's done everything at the club. It's been a life's work. He comes to training; he's on the BBQ. He has been a massive influence.

"He's part of a very tight-knit group of old boys who provide enormous support. When I came back from the UK Super League and moved into an apartment in Braddon, Steve and the old boys helped me move in."

Tributes are flowing for Steve on social media, with his family receiving well-wishes. A minute's silence was held before the Gungahlin Bulls played West Belconnen Warriors in the local Canberra Raiders Cup on Sunday.

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