April 10: Joey calls time on his career; Rankin's double take

On this day the great Andrew Johns announced his retirement, Jordan Rankin copped an unusual distraction and Neil Henry was handed the Raiders reins.

2016

Wests Tigers winger Jordan Rankin is distracted in very unusual circumstances at Hunter Stadium when Newcastle forward Korbin Sims kicks a stray football in his direction as he attempts to field a kick. The offending ball was launched from the crowd.

2000

Sydney Roosters fullback Richie Barnett is named captain of New Zealand’s team for the Anzac Test.

2006

Canberra appoint former lower grade coach Neil Henry as Matt Elliott’s replacement in 2007.

2007

Spinal specialists tell the game’s greatest player Andrew Johns he is at risk of a “catastrophic neck injury” if he continues to play. Johns announces his retirement at a 4pm press conference in Newcastle. “It’s a shame it has finished like this but it had to finish somewhere. I’m going to miss it so much.” Glowing tributes pour in and calls for him to be inducted into the ranks of the Immortals are led by Prime Minister John Howard.

2020

Public opinion over the NRL’s plans to restart its competition is fiercely divided, especially after NSW deputy premier John Barilaro declares that the NRL is "the tonic the state and nation needs to get through the virus".

The NRL hits back at claims from state and federal health officials that they were not consulted before the NRL announced plans to relaunch its competition on May 28. ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys says the NRL had been in constant communication with relevant NSW authorities and had been given the all clear to resume playing and training.

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