Reynolds is one of the faces of ANZ Stadium, a role he has held since taking over from Ben Barba as Canterbury's ambassador for the venue in 2014. Each club that calls ANZ Stadium home has the option of providing a front person for the ground, with Greg Inglis the man for South Sydney and Luke Brooks earning the honour at the Tigers.

ANZ Stadium officials have been delighted with their association with Reynolds, a fan favourite who is always well received at their functions. However, they can't afford to have two ambassadors at the one club and Brooks already has that role at the Tigers.

The pair rubbed shoulders at the stadium's recent member's dinner, giving them a chance to get to know each other better before striking up a halves pairing next year.

The Dragons and the Eels also call ANZ Stadium home but are yet to nominate their new ambassadors. Benji Marshall was the man for the Red V until his switch to Brisbane, while the Eels are considering their options now that the venue is home base until their new stadium at Parramatta is completed.

Peats set to stay on holiday strip

Nathan Peats is tipped to stay on the Gold Coast after rival clubs baulked at his asking price.

The Titans have tabled a competitive offer, although it is short of the $600,000 a season his manager was asking. There are also concerns about his injury history, which has prompted several potential suitors to pull out of the race for his signature. The most likely outcome is he will remain on the holiday strip.

'Show me the money': Maloney

James Maloney isn't happy with his lot at Cronulla and could be seeking a release if he doesn't earn an upgrade.

The NSW playmaker is on a deal worth about $550,000 for next season, but believes that figure doesn't do him justice. Newcastle will be quick to pounce if Maloney was to become available, while Penrith is one of several other clubs watching the situation with interest.

Big-money deals, such as the one secured by Ben Hunt at the Dragons, have heated up the player market and raised the expectations of the game's elite. The Sharks are under no obligation to increase Maloney's pay packet, although the issue has the potential to affect the club's title defence.

Another fiery Origin clash?

Rugby league players have produced some pretty bizarre pre-game antics - think Mark O'Meley rubbing Deep Heat into his head or the Magpies' face-slapping under Roy Masters - to fire themselves up.

But we reckon this one takes the cake.

Grantito Chacone, a member of the Queensland Sapos side taking on NSW Cucarachas in the upcoming Latino Origin match, once set a cow's heart on fire before a game to inspire his team. Can't wait to see what he will produce ahead of their interstate match at Davies Park on May 27.

Roosters still in hunt for Hayne

The rugby league rumour mill has been in overdrive with talk the Roosters will make a late and lucrative bid for Jarryd Hayne. The Chooks have also been linked to Melbourne centre Will Chambers, but that deal is said to be on hold until Hayne makes a call on his future.

It appears increasingly likely that Hayne will remain with the Gold Coast, where he has an option in his favour for a $1.2 million deal for next year. Even if the Roosters didn't re-sign Blake Ferguson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Aidan Guerra, they'd struggle to find that kind of cash after signing Tigers fullback James Tedesco.

Hayne, who is expected to be picked for NSW, has until May 31 to trigger the Gold Coast option, which just happens to be the night of the opening State of Origin game. Speculation about the cross-code star's future is likely to feature prominently in the lead-up, although Blues coach Laurie Daley is hopeful it won't prove a distraction.

"That's something he has thought long and hard about and it's a decision for him - no one else can make that for him but Jarryd," Daley said.

"It's a decision he will make and I'm sure whatever it is, he'll be comfortable with. He's a professional and will put those type of things aside."

Mal wasn't always so tough

Mal Meninga has outlined a hardline stance against illicit drugs following the latest cocaine sagas, but that wasn't his position on the issue as a player.

Back when he was captain of the Raiders and the Kangaroos, Meninga described testing for recreational drugs, such as marijuana, as "humiliating". Now in charge of the Australian side as the coach, Meninga has described the game's illicit drugs policy as "too lenient" and wants it strengthened so that first-time offenders are fined and banned for three months, while a second offence would result in deregistration. He has also warned any Australian players busted for drugs will immediately be dropped.

A report of Mal Meninga's stance on drug testing when he was a player. Photo: Supplied

Salam bidding for reduced ban

North Queensland centre Bacho Salam has engaged the same legal team that represented Jarrod Mullen in his bid to earn a reduced sentence after failing an ASADA test.

As we revealed in these pages last week, Salam's career is in limbo after inadvertently taking a substance that was recently added to the WADA prohibited list. It is understood Salam has received confirmation of his B sample and the offence that carries a maximum penalty of up to four years. However, Salam and his legal team are hoping for a significant reduction, potentially to just six months, due to the circumstances of the case.

Fittler favourite to lead Lebanon

Lebanon are close to announcing their replacement for Ivan Cleary as coach of the national squad for their World Cup campaign.

Brad Fittler is the favourite for the gig, but several NRL head coaches have also been interviewed about the role.

"I can say that we have met with the head coaches of NRL clubs," said Lebanese Rugby League Federation chief executive Remond Safi.

"We've had coaches from around the world apply, including from the Super League, NRL and other governing bodies around the world. It's an exciting time for us."

Robbie bleeds red and blue

Robbie Farah is desperately hoping to extend his State of Origin career, although there will be another big game he can attend if his name isn't read out for the Blues team on Monday.

Farah is a huge Liverpool FC fan, so much so that he sports a "You'll never walk alone" tattoo. The Souths hooker is involved with promotions firm Two4Seven, which is offering fan experiences, including the chance to watch Liverpool's clash with Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium on May 24 with him.

The only jersey Farah loves more than the Reds one is his Blues one, although he will likely miss the historic football encounter if he is in camp with the NSW side. Being at the Liverpool game is some consolation if he doesn't get a start in the Origin series opener.

Storm looking forward

Expect Melbourne to confirm two big forward signings in the near future.

Nate Myles is tipped to make a mid-season switch from Manly, while Sam Kasiano is on board from next year. The Storm were initially looking at a four-year deal for Kasiano, but the parties will instead sign off on an agreement of three years.

Fualalo remains in Dog house

Canterbury are close to securing Danny Fualalo on a new three-year deal.

The underrated forward has cemented a spot in the Canterbury line-up and coach Des Hasler is keen to keep him around.

Luke still feeling the force

Don't be surprised to see Luke Lewis play on for a 17th season in the NRL.

The Cronulla forward will turn 34 in August but believes he still has good football left in him. However, the former NSW and Australian representative will likely need to leave the Shire in order to extend his career.

Something good comes out of something terrible

Congratulations to everyone involved in making the Beanie For Brain Cancer Round a success.

Players, media personalities and punters have banded together to raise funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation to such an extent that the supply of beanies is struggling to keep up with demand.

Ray Warren at the Channel Nine State of Origin launch with a beanie for brain cancer. Photo: Channel Nine

From the vault

Bob Fulton has always been known as a straight shooter. The rugby league Immortal is pictured here emerging from a recent Manly board meeting. Former Sea Eagles chief executive Tim Cleary hasn't been sighted since.

Hard man: Bob Fulton. Photo: SMH archives

Yep, league's a funny old game

Newcastle have dropped their best player, Nathan Ross, over public comments he is underpaid. The last thing we want to do is muzzle the "Ross Dog" or rob a struggling team of one of the NRL's genuine characters. Would it make more sense to fine him instead?

The headline you don't want to see

"John Grant backflips on club funding backflip"

The clubs are shouting "show me the money!" The NRL says it can't afford to despite earlier promises to the contrary. Club bosses are still trying to work out how a business that inked a billion-dollar broadcast deal could be having cash-flow problems.