October 11: Joey in another Hall; Bad break for the Chief

On this day, Andrew Johns earns a second Hall of Fame recognition, painful end to Paul Harragon's big day, and Josh Morris's amazing Kangaroos comeback.                  

1995 

Paul Harragon, in his debut as Test captain, lasts only 16 minutes of Australia’s record-breaking 86-6 demolition of South Africa before being forced from the field with a fractured cheekbone. Gary Larson is announced as his replacement. Andrew Johns equals Michael O’Connor’s world record of 30 points in a Test.

1997

The Hunter Mariners advance to the World Club Challenge final with a shock 22-18 defeat of Cronulla at Shark Park.

1999

North Sydney’s rebel Save The Bears committee take over the club’s board, with plans to scuttle the proposed joint venture with Manly. Administrator Graham Campbell rules the move invalid.

2004

Penrith’s Craig Gower retains the Test halfback position for the opening match of the Tri-series competition against New Zealand. Selectors choose Luke Rooney, Willie Tonga, Tonie Carroll and Andrew Ryan to make their Test debuts for Australia. Sydney Roosters second-rower Craig Fitzgibbon is ruled out with a sternum injury. New Zealand selectors choose an inexperienced halves pairing in Vinnie Anderson and Thomas Leuluai.

2005

Luke O’Donnell and Matt King are selected to make their Test debuts for Australia in the opening Tri-Nations match against New Zealand. The Kiwis name three new caps, including wingers Manu Vatuvei and Jake Webster and interchange David Faiumu.

2011

Legendary Western Suburbs, NSW and Australian halfback Keith Holman passes away at the age of 86.

2012

New Immortal Andrew Johns is inducted into the Sport Australian Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Melbourne.

2015

Western Suburbs Magpies meet Randwick rugby union in an historic game played under hybrid rules at Pirtek Stadium before a crowd of around 1000. Wests win an entertaining contest 47-19. Under hybrid rules rugby league is played when a team is in possession of the ball in their defensive half of the field but rugby union rules apply when the game is in the attacking half. The game features 13 players a side.

2019

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison runs the water for the PM’s XIII in a one-sided 52-10 win over Fiji’s Prime Minister’s XIII at Suva’s ANZ National Stadium. Australia’s Women’s team come from behind to beat a physical Fijian opposition 22-14 in the early clash.

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