November 24: Dally M dies; Kangaroos clinch classic series

On this day, the Immortal Dally Messenger dies, Australia wins classic Ashes series and Valentine Holmes scores a record-breaking six tries in a Test.

1959   

The game’s first true superstar, Herbert Henry "Dally" Messenger, dies in the north-western New South Wales town of Gunnedah, aged 76. “He has never been forgotten, and he never will be,” declares NSWRL president Harry Flegg.

1959

Rex Wright was born. The hooker is remembered for being the last player selected from outside the premiership to represent NSW in State of Origin. He was chosen for one game in 1984 after playing strongly for Country against City. The following year he joined North Sydney and played three seasons with the Bears.

1990   

Australia wrap up the Ashes with courageous 14-0 victory, highlighted by outstanding defence. Paul Sironen named man of the match. Bob Lindner man of the tour. Andrew Ettingshausen’s try in the Third Test gave him 11 for English section of tour.

1996   

Sydney City defeat premiers Manly 34-30 in an exhibition match at the Komizawa Stadium in Tokyo.

2000   

South Sydney file an appeal against Justice Finn’s Federal Court ruling which denied their reinstatement to the NRL.

2001   

Australia retain the Ashes with 28-8 defeat of Great Britain in the deciding third Test at Wigan. Andrew Johns is named player of the series. Australian coach Chris Anderson is taken to hospital at halftime after suffering a heart attack.

2002   

Manly forward Nik Kosef reaches a settlement with the club on the final year of his contract and retires.

2006   

Luke Bailey and Scott Prince are named co-captains of the Gold Coast Titans for 2007.

2009   

Parramatta second-rower Nathan Hindmarsh is presented with the Ken Stephen Medal at the NRL’s One Community Awards night.

2017   

Brad Fittler is appointed coach of New South Wales for the 2018 and 2019 State of Origin series. Fittler vows to consult closely with Andrew Johns and Phil Gould as he attempts to end Queensland’s Origin domination.

2017   

A week after breaking Australia’s Test try-scoring record, winger Valentine Holmes goes one better at Suncorp Stadium when he crossed six times in the Kangaroos’ 54-6 demolition of Fiji in a World Cup semi-final.

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