January 10: Thaiday gives up Broncos captaincy; Daley honoured
On this day, Laurie Daley honoured in Junee, Adam Muir becomes a Bear and Sam Thaiday gives up the Broncos captaincy.
1990
Cody Walker was born in Nowra. A late bloomer to the NRL, he made his first-grade debut for the Rabbitohs at the age of 26, and has since established himself as one of the best five-eighths in the competition.
Walker beats Cleary and busts the Panthers wide open
A proud man from the Yuin and Bundjalung tribes, he had the honour to captain the Indigenous All Stars to victory in the 2019 NRL All Stars match. He made his State of Origin debut in game one of the series that year but was omitted for the other two matches of the series. In 2020 Walker forced his way back into the Blues side and played a staring role in a big Game Two win in Sydney.
Walker enjoyed a stunning 2021 season, producing 33 try assists, 46 line break assists and 16 tries to steer the Rabbitohs to the premiership decider against the Panthers.
1991
Chad Townsend was born in Caringbah. A local junior, he made his NRL debut with Cronulla in 2011 but joined the Warriors for a two-year stint in 2014 before returning home. Townsend was the halfback for Cronulla in their 2016 premiership win over Melbourne and has established himself as one of the most skilful playmakers in the Telstra Premiership.
1997
Newcastle second-rower Adam Muir signs a four year deal with North Sydney, beginning in 1998.
2005
Manly halfback Michael Monaghan is appointed club captain for 2005.
2008
Brisbane Broncos hard man Tonie Carroll announces he will retire at the end of the 2008 season and will no longer be available for representative selection.
2011
Former Dally M winner Matt Orford signs a two-year deal with the Canberra Raiders after being released by Super League club Bradford.
2013
NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley is honoured by his home town Junee with the re-naming of Willow Park to Laurie Daley Oval.
2014
Test second-rower Sam Thaiday stands down as Broncos captain, paving the way for veterans Corey Parker and Justin Hodges to be appointed the club’s first co-captains.
Thaiday admitted by the end of the 2013 season he was “drowning under the pressure” of the job. Media speculation suggests Thaiday’s failure to attend “Mad Monday” drinks with the team was the beginning of the end of his tenure as skipper.
2020
Former World Cup winger Brian James is killed in an accident on his family property at Capertee in the central west of NSW, at the age of 76.
This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.
