November 30: Kangaroos win World Cup; Roberts retires
On this day, Kangaroos win the World Cup, Mitchell Pearce becomes a Knight and Cameron Smith wins the Golden Boot.
1960
Michael O'Connor was born. A skilful goal-kicking centre, he represented Australia in rugby union before switching to St George in 1983. He made 76 appearances for the Dragons before transferring to Manly where he was part of the 1987 grand final-winning team.
O'Connor captained the Sea Eagles during his stint with the club before retiring at the end of 1992.
He also played 19 Origins for NSW and 18 Tests for Australia scoring 129 and 198 points respectively.
1994
Australia continue their barnstorming tour of France with a 64-9 defeat of France B at Avignon. Balmain hooker Benny Elias announces his retirement. Norths release former captain Tony Rea from the final year of his contract.
1998
Former Kangaroo forward Ian Roberts announces his retirement.
1999
The Northern Eagles unveil their new logo, featuring an aggressive eagle mounted on a charcoal and copper shield.
1999
Former Sydney City coach Phil Gould tells the Federal Court that South Sydney could be competitive if they were included in the 2000 premiership.
2002
New Zealand end their tour of the northern hemisphere with a 36-10 win over France at Perpignan.
2004
Fullback Anthony Minichiello leads Australia onto the field against the United States in Philadelphia after winning the Harry Sunderland Medal as Australia’s best player on the Tri Nations tour. The United States put up a bold showing and lead 24-6 before going down 36-24. The match is played on a synthetic surface over four quarters. Bulldogs players Willie Mason (foot) and Mark O’Meley (knee) emerge with injuries.
2007
Melbourne captain Cameron Smith is awarded the Golden Boot as the best player in the world, beating a field which included Jamie Peacock and Johnathan Thurston.
2013
Australia return the World Cup to their cabinet with a resounding 34-2 victory over New Zealand in the final.
2014
Second-tier English outfit Leigh Centurions sign Parramatta veteran Fuifui Moimoi to a one-year contract.
2014
Australia top the IRLF’s world rankings despite their loss to New Zealand in the Four Nations final. Australia are ranked first ahead of New Zealand, England, Samoa, France, Fiji, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, USA, PNG and Italy.
2015
Former AFL Players' Association deputy Ian Prendergast is appointed the new CEO of the Rugby League Players' Associaiton.
2017
After weeks of speculation, Mitchell Pearce signs a four-year, $4 million deal with the Newcastle Knights.
This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.
