October 31: Gillett calls time at 31; Hanley predicts the future
On this day, The Little Master leads Australia into World Cup action, Ellery Hanley predicts the future and injury forces Matt Gillett into retirement.
1954
Clive Churchill leads Australia into their first World Cup campaign, against Great Britain in Lyon, France. The Australians are beaten 28-13. Harry Wells scored two tries for Australia.
1997
The proposed merger between the South Queensland Crushers and the Gold Coast Chargers was called off. The Chargers continued in their own right and the Crushers didn't return in 1998.
2010
Former Great Britain captain Ellery Hanley says England will never be able to match strides with Australia on a consistent basis until more English players are in the NRL. Nine years later, many of England's best players are playing in Australia.
2013
PNG Coaching Director Mal Meninga sends an open letter to the people of Papua New Guinea following the Kumuls' 9-8 loss to France in their opening game of the World Cup.
2018
The Brisbane Broncos confirm the signing of Anthony Seibold as coach on a four-year deal starting in 2020.
2019
Brisbane second-rower Matt Gillett is forced to announce his retirement due to a chronic shoulder injury. Gillett played 200 games for the Broncos between 2010-19 as well as 20 Origins for Queensland and 12 Test matches.
This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.
