July 17: Lewis calls time; Smith chalks up 300
On this day, Cameron Smith celebrated his 300th game with a runaway win, Luke Lewis called time on a glittering career and Big Artie's sacking as Maroons coach caused a stir.
1987
Future Kangaroos and Maroons rep Darius Boyd is born in Brisbane. Boyd played 337 NRL games, debuting with the Broncos in 2006 before retiring 14 years later.
He had stints with the Dragons (2009-11) and Knights (2012-14) before returning to the Broncos in 2015. Boyd played 28 Origin games for Queensland and represented Australia 23 times. He was a two-time premiership-winner.
1990
Queensland coach Arthur Beetson is sacked and replaced by Manly’s New Zealand-born coach Graham Lowe, sending shockwaves through Queensland league circles.
2003
Wests Tigers announce the signing of Brisbane halfback Scott Prince. The champion No.7 would go on to play 73 games in three seasons for the Tigers and lead them to a maiden premiership in 2005.
2009
South Sydney record their first win over the Broncos in Brisbane since 1989 when they score a record-breaking 44-12 victory at Suncorp Stadium.
Referee Tony De Las Heras is carried from the field on a stretcher after being accidentally kneed in the head by Bronco forward Tonie Carroll.
2010
A record crowd at CUA Stadium witnesses one of the games of the season as Parramatta overcome a 22-point deficit to down Penrith 34-28. Fullback Jarryd Hayne continues his return to form with a sensational 85-metre try.
2013
Queensland extend their State of Origin dominance to an eighth successive season when they overpower the Blues 12-10 in an intense series decider at ANZ Stadium.
Lax venue security allows a streaker to run the length of the field and interfere with play in the final minutes of the game but luckily the intrusion does not influence the outcome.
2015
The Melbourne Storm provide a fitting celebration of captain Cameron Smith’s 300th first-grade game when they crush Penrith 52-10 at AAMI Park.
2018
Dual-premiership winner Luke Lewis announces his retirement after an 18-year career in the NRL.
This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.
