September 18: Sticks signs off; Bellamy signs on
On this day, Hall of Fame member Herb Gilbert is born, the SCG is packed to the rafters for a Saints-Rabbitohs grand final and the Australian Schoolboys honour their very best.
1887
NRL Hall of Fame member Herb Gilbert is born. Gilbert played 285 matches in an 11-year career between 1911 and 1921. He went on the 1911-12 Kangaroo tour and finished his time in the game with 128 tries. In combination with Viv Farnsworth, he played a big part in Australia regaining the Ashes in 1920. Gilbert captained Australia in the final two Tests of that series.
1965
More than 78,000 pack the SCG for the premiership decider between St George and South Sydney. Hundreds, possibly thousands of spectators, climb onto the roofs of grandstands for a glimpse of the action. Rugby League Immortal Norm Provan announces his retirement after the match – St George's 10th straight premiership.
1990
Wally Lewis is ruled out of the Kangaroo tour after the most stringent medical examination ever undertaken before a tour.
1994
The pain continues for North Sydney as Canberra score a 22-9 win over the Raiders in a dramatic preliminary final. John Lomax (Canberra) and Gary Larson (Norths) are sent from the field within four minutes of each other during the first half.
2002
Craig Bellamy agrees to a two-year coaching deal with the Storm. After having previously served as Brisbane's performance director, Bellamy is now in his 18th year in Melbourne.
2005
Wests Tigers continue their stunning ride through the finals with a 34-6 defeat of Brisbane at Aussie Stadium. The joint venture would go on to win the grand final, beating North Queensland 30-16 in the decider.
2008
The Australian Second Schools Rugby League name the Australian Schoolboys Team of the Century. The team is: Tim Brasher; Andrew Ettingshausen, Mark Gasnier, Justin Hodges, Greg Inglis; Brad Fittler, Greg Alexander; Craig Young, Danny Buderus, Les Boyd, Steve Menzies, Paul Sironen, Bradley Clyde. Reserves: Tonie Carroll, Ian Schubert, Matt Gidley, Brent Tate.
2009
Parramatta continue their extraordinary rise to prominence in 2009 with a 27-2 semi-final defeat of the Gold Coast at Sydney Football Stadium. Eels coach Daniel Anderson complains about a “missile” tackle on five-eighth Daniel Mortimer by Titans interchange Sam Tagataese that leaves Mortimer in doubt for the preliminary final against the Bulldogs because of a corked hip.
2012
South Sydney fullback Greg Inglis signs a four-year contract extension with the club that will reportedly make him the game's first million dollar a season player.
2020
Penrith secure their first minor premiership title since 2003 after accounting for North Queensland 32-12 at QCB Stadium in Townsville.
This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.
