On this day, rampaging Ruben signs off in style, Freddy demands his Aussie-based Cedars are on song for Lebanon's World Cup tilt and injury forces Bryan Norrie into retirement.
1995
Three overseas players are banned from the World Cup tournament after testing positive to drugs. The players are named as Syd Eru (New Zealand), Stephane Millet (France) and South African Pierre Grobbelaar.
2002
Australia fight back from an 18-6 deficit to defeat New Zealand 32-24 in the one-off Test at Wellington’s WestpacTrust Stadium.
2004
Australian players sign a revised code of conduct aimed at preventing a repeat of behaviour-related incidents that have dogged recent representative camps.
2008
Veteran Kiwi Ruben Wiki scores a try in his farewell appearance for the All Golds Invitational team against the Maori in a 44-10 victory at New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium. Wiki confirms his retirement from rugby league two days later.
Ruben Wiki - Hall of Fame
2011
Former Kangaroo, Wallaby and Olympic water polo representative Dick Thornett dies in Sydney, aged 71.
2012
The Warriors appoint former Canberra and Penrith coach Matt Elliott to the club’s vacant head coaching position on a two-year deal.
2013
Veteran whistle-blower Shayne Hayne is awarded the Col Pearce Medal as referee of the year at the annual presentation for match officials.
2014
Melbourne grand final winner Bryan Norrie is forced to retire immediately because of a neck injury.
2016
The Gold Coast grant Greg Bird a release from the final year of his contract to allow him to join French Super League club Catalans on a three-year deal.
2017
Lebanon World Cup coach Brad Fittler demands that his Australian-based players learn the Lebanese national anthem or they won’t play in the tournament. The Cedars thrill their legion of by beating France 29-18 in Canberra and then take the game right up to England in Sydney in a 29-10 loss.
2019
Justin Holbrook signs off as St Helens coach with a 23-6 defeat of Salford in the Super League grand final at Old Trafford. He would then join the Gold Coast Titans.
This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.
