August 3: Tahu's bite claim; GI joins greats; Hazem runs hot

On this day, Eels centre Timana Tahu accuses Bulldog Brad Morrin of biting, Greg Inglis joins elite company when he captains Souths for the first time and Hazem 'El Magic' smashes another record.

1946    

Balmain’s bid to qualify for the semi-finals looks to have ended when they trail Wests 22-10 with 15 minutes to go at the Sydney Sports Ground. The Tigers are reduced to 11 men through injury and many supporters head for the turnstiles. They miss a remarkable turnaround. Inspired by livewire halfback Stan Ponchard, the Tigers storm home to win 23-22 and eventually go on to claim their ninth premiership.

1985

Sonny Bill Williams was born on this day in 1985. Debuted as a teenager with the Bulldogs in 2004 and won a premiership in his first season. Returned to rugby league after a five-year absence in 2013 to win a second premiership with the Sydney Roosters and came back to the NRL again in 2020 for a five-game cameo with Trent Robinson's men.

1999

Former South Sydney coach Steve Martin wins court action against his former club. Martin, who was sacked in 1998, claimed $213,000 in lost income, plus costs.

1997

North Sydney celebrate “Flo Day” at North Sydney Oval to commemorate the 250th first-grade appearance of one of their favourite sons Greg Florimo. With a bumper crowd of 18,854 in attendance the Bears down Balmain 22-14 to celebrate Flo's milestone in style.   

2000

Channel Seven chairman Kerry Stokes offers South Sydney a $3 million sponsorship package.

2003

Bulldogs winger Hazem El Masri breaks a club record with 11 goals from 11 attempts in his team’s 62-12 slaughter of South Sydney.

2007

Parramatta centre Timana Tahu accuses Bulldogs forward Brad Morrin of biting him on the upper arm during the Eels’ 34-22 victory over the Bulldogs at Telstra Stadium. Morrin is later suspended for eight matches.

2014

Fullback Greg Inglis captains South Sydney for the first time as the Rabbitohs hand Newcastle a 50-10 hiding at Cairns’ Barlow Park.

2020

Interim Warriors coach Todd Payten knocks back an opportunity to assume a full-time role with the club in 2021 but declares he is still interested in the vacant North Queensland coaching position.

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