August 23: Dally M calls time; Lyon's high five; Dogs disqualified

On this day in rugby league history, the legendary Dally Messenger announces his retirement from the game, Jamie Lyon scores a club record five tries in a game for the Eels, and Broncos legend Allan Langer announces he's joining the Warrington Wolves.

1913    

Dally Messenger, the champion player of the game's early years, announces his retirement from the game.

Eastern Suburbs present Dally with the ornate Agricultural Shield as a testament to his contribution to the club and the game since 1908.

1986

Tryscoring wizards Brett Morris and Josh Morris were born on August 23, 1986.  Heading into round 15 the prolific twins had scored 303 tries between them.

1992

Brisbane play their last match at Lang Park, thrashing Newcastle 37-12 before more than 28,000 fans.

1997 

The Gold Coast take a large stride towards their first finals berth with a 25-10 win over competition leaders Manly at Carrara Stadium.

1999

Former Brisbane captain Allan Langer announces he has signed a two-year deal with English club Warrington.

2002

The NRL disqualify the Bulldogs from the 2002 final series, slapping a $500,000 fine and a 37-premiership point penalty on the club accused of $1 million salary cap breaches.

The action is unprecedented in major Australian sport. "The game has had its heart broken in an unexpected and tragic way," says NRL boss David Gallop. The penalty consigns the Bulldogs to the wooden spoon. 

2003

Referee Shayne Hayne sends two Cronulla players from the field, including captain David Peachey, and another to the sin bin during Parramatta's crushing 74-4 win at Parramatta Stadium.

The Eels' score is the third highest in the history of the premiership. Centre Jamie Lyon breaks the Parramatta tryscoring record with five for the match.

2012

Penrith's Test forward Luke Lewis reveals he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and admits he will not play for the Panthers again before his switch to Cronulla in 2013. Lewis is given the all-clear after a cancerous lump is cut from his neck and his thyroid gland removed.

2018

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