July 27: Simms' mastery raises questions; Wests Tigers merger sealed

On this day, calls for a rule change heat up after Eric Simms kicks five-field goals in a match, members vote on a merger and Gorden Tallis is born.

1969

Calls for field goals to be worth less than two points intensify after Eric Simms kicks five of them as South Sydney beat Penrith 40-18. Between 1968 and 1970 Simms booted 68 field goals. Field goals were reduced to one point in 1971 with Simms kicking just one field goal that season.

1973

Gorden Tallis is born. Arguably the most fearsome player of his generation, Tallis played 214 matches for St George and the Broncos (including 19 in Super League). In a superb representative career, the man known as the Raging Bull played for Queensland 20 times (including Super League) and represented Australia on 16 occasions (three Super League Tests).

1999

Balmain and Western Suburbs football clubs member vote to become the game's second joint venture club. Balmain members vote 299 to 95 in favour, while the Wests vote is an even more emphatic 254-7.   

2003

Benji Marshall makes his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers in a 52-12 win over the Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Stadium. Marshall wore the No.14 jersey with Daniel Fitzhenry selected at five-eighth.

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