One of greatest days in New Zealand rugby league history

On this day, Australia lose first series in 27 years and Tawera Nikau joins the Storm.

1997

Melbourne announce the signing of New Zealand Test lock Tawera Nikau. Nikau had spent the previous three years playing for Cronulla. The Storm went on to win the 1999 grand final with Nikau playing a leading role.

2002

League-player-turned-boxer Solomon Haumono is tipped to make a rugby league comeback with Manly in 2003. Haumono would spend the next two years at the Sea Eagles, making 37 NRL appearances.

2005

Australia lose an international series for the first time in 27 years when they are trounced 24-0 by New Zealand in the final of the Tri-Nations tournament in Leeds. The victory is the Kiwis' first series win over Australia since 1953. Manu Vatuvei scored two tries.

2009

Former Test prop Joel Clinton is granted a release from the Brisbane Broncos, freeing him to join English club Hull Kingston Rovers. In his time in Australia, Clinton played 137 matches for Penrith and 45 for the Broncos.

2010

Parramatta stop negotiating with former Manly captain Matt Orford after Bradford fail to grant the halfback a release. The Eels would use Daniel Mortimer and Jeff Robson as their halves in round one of the 2011 season.

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