Goodwin is the son of former first grade player,
Matt Goodwin. Lou grew up in the small town of West Wyalong in central west NSW, playing rugby league from a young age. He played for the West Wyalong Malleemen and won a junior premiership. Goodwin went to boarding school in the small town of Forbes representing Red Bend Catholic College. After a stint in the under 20s competition at the Sydney Roosters, Goodwin made his way to the town of Albury where he played for the
Albury Thunder in the
Group 9 Rugby League competition, where he had a hand in three premierships. In one of the grand finals, he also received best on ground. ==References==