February 23: Cam and JT honoured; Hilder makes history
On this day, ARL wins Super League legal battle, JT and Cam face off in their testimonial game and Kylie Hilder grabs a slice of history.
1996
The long-awaited judgment in the ARL-Super League case is handed down by Justice James Burchett in the Federal Court, in Sydney. He launches a blistering attack on the Super League organisation and its officials, describing them as "dishonest, deceptive and secretive". ARL lawyers claim they will seek $100 million in restitution. The ARL claim a victory by knockout and are confident all 29 orders will be granted by Justice Burchett when he resumes his judgment on February 26. Super League officials and players remain defiant. The ARL announces its 20-team competition will kick off on March 1.
1999
Newcastle coach Warren Ryan tips centre Matthew Gidley to play for Australia "in the not-too-distant future".
2001
Newcastle gain a measure of revenge for their preliminary final loss to the Sydney Roosters in 2000 by scoring a hard-fought 25-18 win over the Roosters at the SFS.
2002
Popular former Manly and Australian team trainer Brian "Sheriff" Hollis dies in Sydney, aged 63.
2004
Wayne Bennett is appointed Australian coach for the 2004 season, replacing Chris Anderson, who was dumped following his controversial selection of Darren Smith for the third Ashes Test against Great Britain.
2006
Tim Sheens re-signs with the Wests Tigers for a further three seasons.
2008
Wests Tigers prop Ryan O'Hara suffers a badly broken jaw in his team’s 34-28 Foundation Cup loss to the Sydney Roosters. O'Hara requires surgery and faces up to two months on the sidelines. Teammate Todd Payten is concussed after a heavy collision with Roosters forwards Nate Myles and Willie Mason.
2011
Kiwi international Jason Cayless announces his retirement after struggling with chronic shoulder injuries. The 31-year-old played made only three appearances with the Wests Tigers in his return to the NRL in 2010 after four seasons in England.
2013
Cronulla prop Bryce Gibbs suffers an Achilles tendon injury as the Sharks down Newcastle 22-16 in a trial at Tamworth’s Scully Park. He faces up to six weeks on the sidelines.
2017
Salary cap pressures force Canberra to release winger Edrick Lee and industrious back-rower Shaun Fensom. Lee immediately links up with premiers Cronulla while Fensom finds a new home with the North Queensland Cowboys.
2018
Living legends of the game Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith are honoured with a testimonial game at Suncorp Stadium. Over 20,000 fans brave torrential rain to support the pair as North Queensland and Melbourne turn on an entertaining trial match. Thurston conjures the winning play in the final minute with a precise kick for winger Kyle Feldt to score, handing the Cowboys a 16-14 victory.
2021
Former Jillaroos and NSW Women's State of Origin rep Kylie Hilder is appointed coach of the NSW women's Origin team for 2021. She becomes the first female Origin coach in the professional era. Geoff Toovey is named assistant.
This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.
