March 19: Gladiator's conquest; Joey's haul; Te Maire's stunner

On this day, the ARL v Super League war heats up, 'Joey' roasts the Raiders, Te Maire turns on a debut dazzler and an Oscar-winner takes joint ownership of the Rabbitohs.

1995

The ARL reportedly discusses a two-tier competition to thwart the advances of Super League. An elite 10-team A-Conference and a second-level B-Conference would operate within the framework of the overall competition. Teams in the second level would have the opportunity to qualify for the main final series.

1996

ARL-loyal clubs meet to discuss the rebels’ proposal but reject most of their demands, while the rebels continue to plan their own competition. Without their players, Super League clubs appear certain to forfeit ARL premiership matches.

2001

Brisbane players Gorden Tallis and Ashley Harrison are cited following the Broncos’ clash with Newcastle. Knights football manager Mark Sargent confirms a formal letter was sent by the club to the NRL judiciary complaining about the actions of five Brisbane players.

2006

South Sydney members vote "yes" to the proposal of Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court to privatise the iconic club. The proposal requires 75 percent support to succeed and scrapes in by 32 votes.

Also on this day, Newcastle hammer Canberra 70-32 to set a new record for most points in one game. Future rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns racks up 30 points of his own. HIs tally of 11 goals is the most ever by a Knights player in one match and the 30-point haul is the second highest individual tally in a game by a Knight. Johns holds the record with 34 against Canberra in 2001.

2011

2016

Junior Kiwi international Te Maire Martin explodes into the NRL with a memorable match-winning debut for Penrith against competition hotshots Brisbane. Martin levels the scores with a late try before landing a field goal in a thrilling 23-22 victory.

2020

Canterbury and North Queensland make history by playing the first premiership game without a crowd when the threat of infection from the global coronavirus forces the gates to remain locked at ANZ Stadium. The Cowboys claim a 24-16 victory.

This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton