December 7: Sing calls time on rep career; Bird flies to Titans
On this day, claims emerge of a thief on the Kangaroo Tour, Hopoate leaves Eels for Bulldogs and Greg Bird flies to the Gold Coast.
1971
Adam Muir was born in Newcastle. A skilful second-rower, he made his debut for the Knights in 1992 and was a member of their grand final-winning team in the ARL decider five years later.
He joined the Bears the following year which became a two-year stint when the club merged with Manly. Muir spent another two years with the Northern Eagles before ending his career with Souths in their readmission year of 2002.
He finished his career with 184 first-grade appearances and also represented NSW 13 times and Australia twice.
2001
Former Sydney Roosters front-rower Quentin Pongia signs a two-year deal with the London Broncos.
2003
The Sun-Herald reports that almost $4000 was stolen from Kangaroo players’ rooms during their tour of England. Tour manager Gerard Raper says he is uncertain whether the thief was a hotel staff member or a player. Prop Shane Webcke confirms he was a victim of the thief.
2004
North Queensland winger Matt Sing announces his retirement from representative football.
2009
Former Cronulla five-eighth Greg Bird signs a one-year contract with the Gold Coast Titans, reportedly worth $110,000.
2011
Test halfback Johnathan Thurston is named five-eighth and captain of the Indigenous All Stars team and will partner Parramatta recruit Chris Sandow in the February 4 clash against the NRL All Stars at Skiller Park. Sandow is one of five newcomers to the Indigenous line-up, alongside Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Andrew Fifita and Nathan Peats.
2015
Will Hopoate signs a two-year deal with Canterbury, with Samoan international Tim Lafai released by the club to accommodate the move. The former NSW representative began his career at Manly, took two years off to complete his Mormon mission then returned to the NRL with Parramatta before becoming a Bulldog. He went on to play 124 games across six seasons at Canterbury before embarking on a new adventure with Super League club St Helens for 2022.
2016
The NSW Government announces design details for the new Parramatta Stadium, due for completion in 2019. The $300 million venue, to be constructed by Lend Lease, will feature 30,000 seats and 100 percent rooftop cover for supporters.
2017
Brisbane lock Josh McGuire is named winner of the Ron McAuliffe Medal as Queensland’s player of the 2017 State of Origin series.
This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.
