April 24: Two-ref trial announced; Wakeham makes history
On this day, the Kiwis record a famous upset victory, the NRL announces it will experiment with two referees and Brandon Wakeham grabs a slice of history.
1969
New Zealand and Samoan international Tony Tuimavave was born. A foundation member of the Warriors, the forward played 78 matches for the club from 1995-2000.
1998
New Zealand upset Australia's first united Test team since 1994 when they claim the Anzac Test 22-16 at Auckland's North Harbour Stadium.
2001
The NRL announces it will experiment with two referees later in the season in matches involving teams not in contention for the finals.
2004
After an unhappy performance at fullback for New Zealand, Nigel Vagana goes from villain to hero by scoring a golden-point try for Cronulla in an 18-14 defeat of Parramatta.
2005
A last-ditch tackle by Bulldogs fullback Luke Patten at EnergyAustralia Stadium prevents Newcastle from claiming their first win of the season.
2015
Wests Tigers winger Kevin Naiqama contributes to a try of the year nomination when his refusal to give up on a ball apparently headed dead-in-goal results in a freakish four-pointer for fullback James Tedesco as the team thumps Canterbury 38-14 at ANZ Stadium.
Rd 8: TRY James Tedesco (5th min)
2021
Young Canterbury halfback Brandon Wakeham makes history as the game's first official "concussion replacement" as the Bulldogs claim their first win of the season. The "18th man rule" is activated for the first time after Sharks forward Siosifa Talakai is sin binned for a high shot on Bulldogs forward Matt Doorey, who was unable to continue. Wearing jersey No.25, Wakeham took the field four minutes before full-time as the Bulldogs clung grimly to an 18-12 lead.
This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.
