November 29: Slater and Smith win the Boot

On this day, Greg Alexander racks up a record tally against France, and Billy Slater and Cameron Smith win the Golden Boot.

1990   

Greg Alexander stepped into the record books with 46 points in Australia’s 76-8 win over a French ‘B’ side at Lyon. Alexander’s record Kangaroo tally came from five tries and 13 goals from as many attempts.

1994

Shaun Lane was born in Sydney. The tall back-rower made his NRL debut with Canterbury in 2015 and had another short stint at the Warriors the following year before establishing himself in first grade at Manly in 2017-18. He switched to Parramatta in 2019 and has racked up 73 appearances, helping the Eels to the play-offs in all three seasons.

1996   

The ARL agree to release Penrith players John Cartwright, Steve Waddell, Barry Walker and Dave Alexander from their ARL contracts, but continue to defend legal action against seven other players.

1999   

Brisbane sign former Wests prop Harvey Howard to a one-year deal.

2005   

Media reports suggest Wayne Bennett is a certainty to retain his position as Australian coach, despite their stunning Tri Nations defeat. Victorious New Zealand coach Brian McClennan says he would not be tactically smart enough to coach in the NRL.

2006   

The South Sydney Football Club wins a members’ vote to take over the running of the licensed leagues club. Majority owner Peter Holmes a Court outlined plans for a $10 million redevelopment of the club, which include a Legends’ Walk and a health and fitness centre to be operated by the football club.

2008   

Melbourne and Australian fullback Billy Slater is named the winner of the 2008 Golden Boot award and the RLPA Player of the Year at an awards ceremony in Sydney. Roosters captain Braith Anasta and Penrith veteran Petero Civoniceva share the Players’ Player award, while Manly’s David Williams picks up the rookie of the year award.

2013   

The NRL announces a national championship match between the winners of the NSW Cup and Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup will feature on grand final day from 2014.

2017   

Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith adds another Golden Boot title to a long list of honours and achievements in 2017.

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