The former Wests Tigers three-quarter has scored a job as a personal trainer at Hi-IQ, a new gym that opened its doors for the first time on Saturday. He was on hand at Smeaton Grange as prospective members pumped weights and did cardio sessions in the new gym's opening day.

Simona had tried to resurrect his career with an overseas rugby stint, although officials and clubs didn't want to register the disgraced footballer. He has admitted to gambling addiction and cocaine use and it's unlikely the NRL will ever allow him back after betting on opposition players to score in games he was involved in.

The 25-year-old has indicated he will plead guilty to fraud over the sale of signed jerseys supposedly auctioned off for Camp Quality. He is due to appear in Campbelltown Local Court on July 11.

New fight for Grant

He's at war with the clubs, the players and even his own chief executive. And now a contingent of former greats have formed the NRL Reform Group to call for the head of John Grant. The ARLC chairman is under attack on a fresh front after Balmain legend Larry Corowa began rallying disgruntled former stars as part of a fresh revolution against head office.

Corowa (pictured) believes the much-vaunted independent commission hasn't delivered on its promises since its inception and his views are shared by many of his contemporaries. The former NSW and Australian representative has, with the help of Keith Braden, created the NRL Reform Group, a collection of disaffected greats demanding change at Rugby League Central. Some of league's biggest names are getting behind the movement and a manifesto will be presented to head office.

New front: John Grant. Photo: Daniel Munoz

"We're not getting heard," Corowa said. "The fans and the grassroots are missing out and we've had enough of it. The whole structure needs a big cleanout from top to bottom. How can the game be broke after signing a billion-dollar TV deal?

"The chairmen have had two cracks at getting rid of Grant and not done it, so he remains our No.1 problem. We're not happy with how he and the commission are handling things. We want change at the top because it's not working.

"The bloke running the joint needs to be the first to go. He keeps blaming everyone else. It's been all about the top end and they have forgotten about the grassroots of rugby league."

Mary to stay

Paul McGregor is poised to extend his stay at St George Illawarra after the club recently tabled an extension offer.

McGregor has proven himself worthy of a new contract after overseeing the Dragons' revival this season. Officials were hopeful of finalising the deal as soon as this week, although negotiations have been put on hold after the recent passing of McGregor's mother. Our condolences to McGregor and his family.

Mystery of the Falcon

Everyone in rugby league knows about "The Falcon" - that magical moment when an unsuspecting Mario Fenech was making his way from the field, only to be hit in the head with the Steeden. The incident has been replayed ad nauseam over the past two decades, but mystery still surrounds the identity of the man responsible for the incident. Who was the hooker who threw the pass into Fenech's head?

In yet another world exclusive, Sin Bin can reveal the previously anonymous Ray Herring threw the misdirected pass from dummy half that created a legend. It is one of several poignant league moments captured in Andrew Voss' new book Stuff You May Have Missed.

"It has been this man's dirty secret for a long time," said Voss, who interviewed Herring about that pass. "Ray says he doesn't know how he has escaped any notoriety for throwing the crap pass that hits Mario in the head. 'The Falcon' never happens otherwise.

"I want to introduce the word 'Herring' into the rugby league vernacular for when one throws a crap pass. As in 'you've thrown a Herring'. This is an exclusive. This bloke has lived a quiet life, known only to his mates. Of all the times the vision was run, his name has never been mentioned."

There are other ripping yarns in the tome, like the time Adrian Vowles was spotted riding a horse in the dressing sheds just moments before North Queensland recorded the club's first home win. Or how Matt Donovan came out of retirement to represent Russia in a clash with the Kangaroos, scoring a try while carrying a broken hand in his first game of the year. Or the first-grade centre who donned the mascot suit on grand final day.

Voss' book launch is on at the Edition Book Bar on Monday night.

Tim a Dragon at heart

Tim Lafai knocked back an offer to join Melbourne before opting to re-sign with St George Illawarra.

The Storm have a high opinion of Lafai and have had a crack at the former Bulldogs centre the last two times he has been off contract. While he was flattered by the interest, the Samoan international wasn't prepared to uproot his young family and instead inked a three-year extension.

Dragon heart: Tim Lafai. Photo: Adam McLean

It is a remarkable turnaround for the 26-year-old. The Dragons were prepared to punt him this time last year, but both parties are happy with each other after he produced career-best form to start the season.

Rake's progress

Rabbitohs rake Damien Cook is struggling for game time, but that wouldn't be the case if rival clubs were able to get their hands on him. Three teams in need of a starting hooker have inquired about Cook's availability after watching the former Bulldog play second fiddle to Robbie Farah in recent weeks.

Cook is under contract until the end of 2019, but there's a growing feeling that Souths coach Michael Maguire should use him or lose him. Farah's dumping from the victorious Blues team will likely prompt more debate whether he is the best hooker at the club.

Greenberg grilling

With the NRL under fire on a number of fronts, Todd Greenberg fronted the fans as they made their way up from Caxton Street for Origin I. The NRL boss has held several open forums and made himself available to punters as they filed into Suncorp Stadium. No topic was off limits as Greenberg was grilled on everything from ticket prices to his tempestuous relationship with ARLC chairman John Grant.

Fast and furious

If we're going to bag the refs when they get it wrong, we've got to give them a rap when they get it right. The opening State of Origin game on Wednesday night was as fast and as free-flowing as any that had come before it.

Matt Cecchin kept his whistle in his pocket but still managed to keep the teams apart, resulting in some actual football breaking out. Outstanding stuff. Current and former players are adamant Cecchin is by far the best whistle-blower in the game.

Tiger poaching

Expect Wests Tigers to announce Mahe Fonua and Corey Thompson as new recruits this week. We also hear they are close to poaching a Dragons player. Stay tuned.