January 3: Steve Rogers' tragic death; Lamb announces comeback

On this day, Steve Rogers is found dead at 51, Terry Lamb announces comeback and Broncos dominate world team of the year.

1989

Ben Matulino was born in Wellington. After starting out primarily as a second-rower, Matulino became a prop in the latter stages of his career. He made his debut for the Warriors in 2008 and was a mainstay of the team over a decade, making 212 appearances for the club.

In 2018 he switched to the Wests Tigers but the following season he was struck down by a knee injury and was forced to retire at the end of the year. Matulino also represented New Zealand in 23 Tests.

1991 

Dane Gagai was born in Mackay. A speedy outside back, he made his NRL debut for Brisbane in 2011, playing six games. Gagai switched to Newcastle and played 128 games for the club in a six-year stint which included rising to the representative ranks for Queensland and Australia. 

He moved to Souths in 2018 where he maintained his position as one of the elite centres and wingers in the sport, helping the Bunnies to the 2021 grand final.

In 2022 he returns to the Knights where he will look to build on his career tally of 68 tries in 226 games.

1992

Siosiua Taukeiaho was born in Auckland. A powerful forward, he made his NRL debut for the Warriors in 2013, playing one game for the club, before switching to the Roosters, breaking into their top team in 2015. A member of the 2018 and 2019 premiership-winning sides, he was also one of the key contributors to Tonga's rise in the international ranks.

1996   

Veteran Bulldogs five-eighth Terry Lamb announces he is coming out of retirement to boost his club’s playing strength which was depleted by the departure of several top-liners.

1998   

South Sydney sign Queensland State of Origin and former Gold Coast forward Jeremy Schloss to a two-year contract.

1998   

Brisbane sign former Adelaide forward Kevin Campion, who had agreed to play with the disbanded Hunter Mariners.

1999   

Eight Brisbane Broncos players are named in English magazine Open Rugby’s Team of the Year for 1998.

2000   

Dragons recruit Solomon Haumono stuns teammates and club officials by announcing his retirement only weeks before the start of the premiership.

2006   

The league world is stunned by the sudden death of Cronulla legend Steve Rogers. The 51-year-old Sharks general manager was found in the stairwell of his Cronulla unit. His son Mat reveals his father was suffering from depression. 

Help is available 24/7 for anyone who has mental health issues by calling Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14

2007   

North Queensland announce the signing of former Warriors utility Sione Faumuina to a two-year contract.

2018   

Former leading referee Kevin Roberts dies in Sydney, aged 76.

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