Kevin Longbottom

Kevin Longbottom (1940 - 1986) was an Aboriginal Australian professional rugby league player of the 1960s. Longbottom was known by the nickname "Lummy" and was renowned for his long-range goal kicking,^[1] sometimes even kicking goals from further than the halfway line.^[2] A large, barrell chested man, he won a premiership with in 1967, and played in the 1965 Souths team that were runners up.^[3] He played Fullback for most of his career.

Longbottom initially forced his way into first grade when full-back, Darrel Chapman became injured.^[4] He kicked a conversion in South Sydney's win over Canterbury in the 1967 Grand final that should have resulted in a 14-10 win.^[5] His three long range penalty goals in the 1965 Grand Final are still regarded as possibly the longest kicks every attempted at the Sydney Cricket Ground.^[6]

Longbottom was a fine golfer, but is better remembered as a famous caddie to many professional golfers including Bruce Devlin, Bob Shearer and American Tommy Bolt.^[7]

Longbottom died from cancer in 1986.

References