January 2: Freddy makes surprise return; Wallaby rejects Rams

On this day, Brad Fittler announces comeback, George Gregan rejects Rams and Reni Maitua links with Sharks.

1972

Jacin Sinclair was born. A talented centre, he made his debut with Balmain in 1991 and played 45 matches at the club in two stints before retiring in 1999. He also had stops at Souths and the Roosters, represented City Origin and was close to NSW selection at his peak in the early 1990s. He died in 2010.

1992 

Korbin Sims was born in Gerringong. A powerful prop, he made his NRL debut with Newcastle in 2013 and played four seasons at the Knights before a two-year stint with Brisbane. In 2019 he returned to his junior club, St George Illawarra and was released at the end of the following season to join Hull KR. 

1994   

Wigan chairman Jack Robinson accuses Auckland Warriors coach John Monie of breaking up Monie’s former club by signing Great Britain Test prop Andy Platt. Platt’s signing for Auckland followed that of Wigan’s former Kiwi Test centre Dean Bell.

1996   

Wallabies halfback George Gregan rejects offers to join the Adelaide Rams.

1996   

Former Test fullback Graham Eadie claims he was axed by the trouble-plagued Gold Coast club and didn’t walk out as had been reported.

2000   

St George Illawarra coach David Waite calls for a one-game State of Origin format to help preserve the game’s elite talent.

2009   

Sacked Bulldog Reni Maitua agrees to terms with Cronulla after Gold Coast, Melbourne and South Sydney also expressed interest in signing the former Test forward.

2014   

Former Test captain Brad Fittler drops a bombshell by announcing plans to make a comeback for the Sydney Roosters in the inaugural Auckland Nines tournament. Fittler would turn 42 before the tournament kicked off.

“I expect to get hammered,” Fittler said. “I’ve been training with my 10-year-old, Demi. I’ve got a lot of work to do”.

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