July 6: JT joins Cowboys; Lockyer farewells Origin; Bunnies get a lifeline

On this day in rugby league history, the Cowboys make their greatest signing, an Andrew Johns Origin blinder and the Bunnies get a lifeline in the courts.

1974

Hooker John Gray kicks Great Britain to victory in the second Test at the SCG with an 'around-the-corner' style of goalkicking that quickly grows in popularity.

1975 

Western Suburbs are sensationally docked the competition point they earned for a draw against Canterbury after second-rower Mick Liubinskas is deemed an unauthorised replacement. The lost point costs the Magpies a place in the finals.

2001

The full bench of the Federal Court finds that South Sydney’s exclusion from the National Rugby League in 1999 was unlawful. The NRL and News Limited immediately announce they will pursue the reinstatement of the Rabbitohs to the competition in 2001.

2004 

Bulldogs five-eighth Johnathan Thurston signs a three-year deal with North Queensland. Thurston would go on to win the Dally M Medal four times (in 2005, 2007, 2014 and 2015) and win the Golden Boot award three times (in 2011, 2013 and 2015).

2005 

New South Wales rout the Maroons 32-10 in the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium and reserve their place in history as only the second Blues team to fight back from a 1-0 deficit to win the series. Andrew Johns plays a role in all six New South Wales tries.

2007 

The Brisbane Broncos produce another stoic performance following an Origin match to pip the Gold Coast 19-18 in extra-time at Suncorp Stadium.

2011 

Queensland send retiring captain Darren Lockyer out on a winning note after a 34-24 triumph in the State of Origin series decider at Suncorp Stadium.

2015

Parramatta winger Semi Radradra scores his fifth consecutive try double to equal a record set by legendary Eastern Suburbs centre Dave Brown in 1935.

2018

Broncos veteran Sam Thaiday reveals plans to retire at the end of the season by dressing up as an elderly man and making the announcement at a retirement village. "I've always been a bit different in everything I've done," Thaiday said.

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