May 25: Bowen breaks Blues hearts; Beetson shows his grace; & Hodgo is born

On this day, a crowd record was set at the SCG, Arthur Beetson shows his grace and integrity, while Matt Bowen breaks Blues hearts. 

1921

A club attendance record for NSW was set between North Sydney and Eastern Suburbs at the SCG. The crowd of 48,476 was captivated by the game, which went on to be labelled one of league's classics. It finished in an 8-8 draw after Norths drew level in the last minute of play.

1968

The man who played 24 Tests for New Zealand between 1987-1998 was born in 1968 - Kevin Iro. He dabbled in and out of the Australian and English competitions.

He started with Wigan, then came to the Manly Sea Eagles, then back to Leeds, down to the Hunter Mariners in Super League, then over to the Auckland Warriors and finally finished his career at St Helens. After his Kiwis days were over, he captained the Cook Islands in the 2000 World Cup.

1977

Easts forward Arthur Beetson creates controversy when he withdraws from the Australian team on principle after learning the ARL over-ruled selectors to have him named for the opening game of the World Series in New Zealand. "My conscience would not let me take the seat of a player the selectors felt was more worthy of a place," he said.   

1982

The darting, explosive centre Justin Hodges was born in 1982. He played for Australia 13 times alongside his 24 matches for Queensland, including wining the 2015 series in his final game when the Maroons trounced NSW 52-6 at Suncorp Stadium.

He played most of his club football for the Broncos apart from two seasons with the Roosters, when Ricky Stuart was coach, and was a member of their 2002 premiership-winning side. 

1995

After coaching three Tests in 1994, Ellery Hanley accepts a $950,000 deal to switch to the ARL and the Sydney Tigers, leaving England without a coach for the Centenary World Cup.    

2005

Matt Bowen intercepted a Brett Kimmorley pass for Queensland to snatch victory in golden point extra time 24-20 - a heartbreaking result at Suncorp Stadium since NSW had fought back from 19-0 down. But the Blues won Games II and III to win the series under coach Ricky Stuart.

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