On this day in rugby league history, pre-season tournaments are run and won, Stephen Kearney takes charge in New Zealand and Tommy Raudonikis decides to keep it simple.
New era as key target unveiled as Bulldogs CEO Canterbury have moved quickly to fill their vacant CEO role before the start of the NRL season, turning to a former Bulldog to lead them.
Rugby League by Phil Rothfield
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Subscriber only The Canterbury Bulldogs have appointed commercial expert Aaron Warburton as their new chief executive to replace Andrew Hill. Warburton previously worked at the Bulldogs as head of commercial and landed one of the most lucrative sponsorship deals with KIA motors. Aaron Warburton (left), along with Kate Hutchison and Frank Micali during his previous time at the Bulldogs in 2013.
October
October 1: Veteran coach Wayne Bennett accepts an offer from the Queensland Rugby League to step into the breach as Maroons coach for the 2020 State of Origin series following Kevin Walters’ appointment as Broncos coach. Bennett last coached the Maroons in 2003.
The NRL confirms it has opened an investigation into the 2003 Dally M Medal that was not awarded due to industrial action by the game’s players’ association. The
Daily Telegraph had led calls for Penrith’s Craig Gower to be awarded the medal after revealing he would have almost certainly won the count.
The Sydney Roosters lose star recruit Sonny Bill Williams for their qualifying final against Penrith with a neck complaint.