May 5: The Man makes a big call; SBW makes big bucks

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Thu 5 May 2022, 01:01 AM

On this day in rugby league history, 'The Man' announces his move to boxing, SBW signs with adidas, Cameron Smith makes his 50th appearance in green and gold and Dragons star Corey Norman is dealt a cruel blow.

1954

NRL Hall of Fame inductee Harry Bath captains Warrington to victory over Halifax in a replay of the Challenge Cup final, before a then-world record crowd of 102,569 at Odsal Stadium.

1997

St George re‑sign hooker Nathan Brown for five years in a deal worth a reported $500,000 a season. A neck injury forced him to retire in 2000. Brown is now coaching the Warriors.

2000

After an impressive career in rugby league, Anthony Mundine announces a new career in the boxing ring. He has had 57 professional fights, winning 48 of them.

NRL Hall of Fame member Harry Bath. ©NRL Photos

2006

Australia score a crushing 50-12 win over New Zealand in a one-off Test match at Suncorp Stadium. Karmichael Hunt failed to finish his debut Test following a high tackle from Kiwis forward Frank Pritchard.

2011

There are reports the RL International Federation will apply for rugby league’s inclusion in the 2018 Commonwealth Games if the Gold Coast wins the right to host the event.

2012

Hooker Nathan Friend plays almost an entire 80 minutes with a broken jaw as the Warriors defeat the Brisbane Broncos 30-20 at Mt Smart Stadium.

2014

Sonny Bill Williams becomes the first rugby league player to sign with sportswear giant adidas as a global ambassador.

Former Knights utility player Kurt Gidley. ©NRL Photos

2015

Kurt Gidley announces he will leave the Knights at the end of the season to link up with English club Warrington.

2017

Cameron Smith plays his 50th Test as Australia score a 30-12 win over New Zealand un Canberra. Josh Dugan left the field soon after half-time with a fractured cheekbone following a collision with St George Illawarra teammate Russell Packer.

2019

St George lllawarra halfback Corey Norman suffers a fractured cheekbone in a 32-18 loss to Parramatta before another bumper crowd at Bankwest Stadium.

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