February 14: Gidley turns back the clock; Roosters on top of the world

On this day, Broncos legend Allan Langer confirms his NRL comeback, the Roosters hand St Helens a WCC walloping and Kurt Gidley turns back the clock.

1999   

The NRL rule that former Test prop Ian Roberts will not be allowed to make a comeback with North Queensland for match payments only because it would be against the spirit of salary cap provisions.

2002   

Former Test halfback Allan Langer confirms his decision to make a comeback for the Brisbane Broncos in 2002.

2003   

Kiwi international Stephen Kearney is named captain of the Melbourne Storm for 2003.

2003   

The Roosters account for St Helens 38-0 in a high-quality World Club Challenge match at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium.

2004   

St George humble South Sydney 34-8 in the Charity Shield at Aussie Stadium. A crowd of 21,573 watch the Dragons outscore the Rabbitohs six tries to two. Trent Barrett makes a successful return for the Dragons after a long-term ankle injury.

2005   

Former Kiwi international Jarrod McCracken commences court action against the Melbourne Storm and former players Stephen Kearney and Marcus Bai over a serious neck injury he suffered in 2000, the result of a ‘dangerous throw’ tackle. McCracken seeks $750,000 in damages.

2008   

Bulldogs fullback Luke Patten re-signs with the club for a further four seasons. He would play just two more seasons with the blue and whites before moving to England to play 53 games with Salford in Super League in 2011-12. 

2013   

Former Test forward Luke O’Donnell joins the Sydney Roosters on a one-year contract after being granted a release from the final year of his three-year deal with English Super League club Huddersfield.

2018   

Canberra forward Sia Soliola is rescued by a lifesaver at a Sunshine Coast beach after getting into difficulty while swimming with team-mates.

2020

The NRL Nines kicks off at Perth’s HBF Park with the Bulldogs producing an early upset by knocking over pre-tournament favourites Parramatta and former Newcastle captain Kurt Gidley making an impressive contribution to the Knights’ 34-0 demolition of the Warriors. Injuries to Broncos playmaker Anthony Milford (hamstring) and Rabbitohs forward Ethan Lowe (medial ligament) cause concern.

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