December 23: Roberts becomes a Bronco; Tommy takes on cancer
On this day, NRL announces interchange referees trial, James Roberts switches to Broncos and Tommy Raudonikis recovers from surgery to treat cancer of his neck.
1957
Peter Wynn was born in Maitland. A tall second-rower, he joined Parramatta from the Illawarra competition in 1979 and went on to spend 12 seasons at the club. A member of the club's premiership-winning sides of the 1980s, he played four Origins for NSW and represented Australia in three Tests.
1994
Easts sign Australian Rugby Union representative Darren Junee.
2004
The NRL announces the round-one clash between Cronulla and Penrith at Toyota Park in 2005 will be the first to conduct an interchange referees trial.
2014
The NRL sends an edict to coaches that referees will penalise defenders in 2015 who do not simultaneously release themselves from a ball-carrier. The change of interpretation angers coaches who were told at their annual conference in early December that there would be no rule changes in 2015.
2015
The Brisbane Broncos announce the signing of Gold Coast centre James Roberts on a two-year deal. The decision means current Broncos centre Dale Copley will be forced out in order for Brisbane to comply with the salary cap.
2016
Manly announce the signing of former Sydney Roosters utility Jackson Hastings to a two-year deal.
Back to where it began: Raudonikis recalls the first State of Origin match
2017
New South Wales and Kangaroos legend Tommy Raudonikis recovers from surgery to treat cancer of his neck.
This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.
