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February 22: Rabbitohs rule the world; 100 greatest players named

On this day, record-breaking Rabbitohs rule the world, Tallis calls out Wallabies and 100 greatest players unveiled.

1982

The Rothmans company announce a major sponsorship for the game worth $850,000 for three years. The competition becomes known as the Winfield premiership and the premiers are to be handed the Winfield Cup, along with the Giltinan Shield.

1993

Manly coach Graham Lowe resigns due to ill health. National coach Bob Fulton outlines his plans to take over the Manly reins.  

1996

The ARL threatens England centre Garry Connolly with court action if he plays in the World Nines tournament in Fiji. Connolly signed an ARL loyalty agreement in 1995 which prevented him from representing his country.  

Marc Glanville playing in 1997.
Marc Glanville playing in 1997. ©NRL Photos

1997

Newcastle lock Marc Glanville is sent off for a spear tackle on Manly prop Mark Carroll in a fiery trial at Coffs Harbour.

2001

Brisbane captain Gorden Tallis calls for a showdown between the Kangaroos and the Wallabies to "stop the cheap shots at league from (John) O'Neill and Co". Tallis says: "I'll play them anywhere, any time and I'll play them for nothing."

2001

Former Kiwi halfback Gary Freeman is appointed coach of the New Zealand national side.

2002

Brisbane are humbled 66-18 by the Bulldogs in a trial in Toowoomba.

Luke Priddis playing for Penrith in 2007.
Luke Priddis playing for Penrith in 2007. ©NRL Photos

2007

Penrith name Craig Gower, Luke Priddis and Tony Puletua as co-captains for 2007.

St George Illawarra appoint Mark Gasnier, Jason Ryles and Ben Hornby as co-captains.

Rugged utility forward Alan Tongue is named captain of the Canberra Raiders for 2007.

2008

The ARL unveil the 100 Greatest Players of All Time at a ceremony at Sydney's Milson's Point. The list, as voted by the ARL's voting "college" of former players, coaches, administrators, journalists and historians contains only one current-day player, Brisbane captain Darren Lockyer.  The 100 players would become the first inductees into the NRL Hall of Fame.

2008

Test coach Ricky Stuart supports the NRL's attempts to introduce a second referee. A dual-refereeing system was revived during the first weekend of official trials.

2012

The ARL Commission makes its first major decision by scrapping the controversial McIntyre top eight system that had been in operation since 1999. The finals series will revert to a system of two pools of four, in which the top four teams are rewarded with a second chance if they are beaten on the first weekend.

Reni Maitua playing for Parramatta in 2013.
Reni Maitua playing for Parramatta in 2013. ©NRL Photos

2013

Parramatta announce Jarryd Hayne and Reni Maitua will take responsibility as co-captains in 2013 while prop Tim Mannah is named club captain and will handle official duties off the field.

2013

The Melbourne Storm reclaim the title of world champions after holding out Super League premiers Leeds 18-14 in the World Club Challenge showdown at Headingley.

2013

St George Illawarra suffer a spate of injuries in a 28-10 Charity Shield loss to South Sydney. Hookers Mitch Rein (shoulder) and Cameron King (concussion) and backs Jason Nightingale (sciatica) and Matt Cooper (calf) are all hurt.

Josh Dugan in 2014.
Josh Dugan in 2014. ©NRL Photos

2014

St George Illawarra fullback Josh Dugan falls victim to a knee injury as the Dragons crash to a 38-20 Charity Shield defeat to South Sydney. The injury is expected to sideline Dugan for six weeks.

2014

The Sydney Roosters win the World Club Challenge trophy with a 36-14 defeat of Wigan at Allianz Stadium. The Roosters won the JJ Giltinan Shield as 2013 minor premiers and the Provan-Summons Trophy after taking out the NRL grand final. Roosters hooker Jake Friend is awarded man of the match honours.

2015

South Sydney continue on their winning way after crushing English Super League champions St Helens 39-0 in the World Club Challenge clash at St Helens' Langtree Stadium. Prop George Burgess is named man of the match. The 39-point margin is a WCC record.

2021

Scans reveal a grade-two tear of Tom Trbojevic's right hamstring, which the Manly fullback insists occurred when he slipped in his bathroom and not while partying with team-mates. An embarrassed Trbojevic denies he tore the hamstring in a late night "sprint challenge" with a youth named Harry after mobile phone footage of the race down Manly's Corso is aired on social media.

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

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National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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