Mr Keast, 42, passed away in Wagga after a 10-year battle with cancer.

A widely-respected player, coach and development officer with Country Rugby League, Mr Keast will be remembered for his love of and devotion to rugby league.

Born and bred in Junee, Mr Keast played for the Diesels in the Group Nine premiership before heading to Sydney to join the famous Rabbitohs for two years.

He later returned to his football roots to captain-coach Brothers to the Group Nine title in 1995 and forging a long and illustrious career in football development with CRL.

Mr Keast's passing was last night described as a "tragedy" by long-time friend Gary Burns.

Mr Burns said Mr Keast had fought bravely against cancer since he was first diagnosed with the disease in 1998.

"He (Mr Keast) enjoyed quality of life for much of the time," Mr Burns said.

Arrangements for the funeral of Mr Keast will be released this week.