April 20

In 1908, the New South Wales Rugby League held its first official competition match, ushering in a new era of professional rugby league in Australia. The opening day featured spirited contests between local clubs, drawing crowds eager for organized play. This event marked a shift from amateur to professional status, laying the groundwork for one of Australia's most popular sports competitions. Over time, the NSWRL evolved into the National Rugby League (NRL), capturing the national imagination. Today, fans celebrate 1908 as the true beginning of modern Australian rugby league.

On April 20, 2008, Danica Patrick secured a landmark victory at the Indy Japan 300 held at Twin Ring Motegi in Naruto, Japan. Driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, Patrick took the lead late in the race and held off veteran competitors to cross the finish line first. Her win marked the first time a woman had ever won a top-level Indy car event. The achievement earned widespread acclaim and helped inspire a new generation of female racers. Patrick's success that day was a defining moment in motorsports history and a breakthrough for gender equality in racing.