Wayne Bennett showing interest in replacing John Grant as chairman of NRL’s independent commission

WAYNE Bennett shows interest in replacing John Grant as chairman of NRL’s independent commission — plus check out this week’s Saint and Sinners.

Brisbane Broncos Training Session

WAYNE Bennett has shown interest in replacing John Grant as chairman of the NRL’s independent commission.

Meanwhile Paul Gallen avoids social media trolls and the Roosters get a great view of Jarryd Hayne’s NFL debut.

Plus check out this week’s Saint and Sinners.

SAINT

THE Bulldogs have thrown open their centre of excellence at Belmore for local kids looking for a social and recreational focus.

This is a fantastic initiative where they can participate in a variety of activities, including gym sessions, a boot camp, boxing and healthy cooking lessons.

Phone [phone] for details.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ: NRL investigates loss of 2534 juniors

REFEREES DRAMA: Bill Harrigan’s call to help officials

SINNER

THE Sydney Morning Herald rugby league writer who launched a pathetic crusade to discredit the Dally M Awards in a slur on the Channel Nine and Fox Sports legends who vote on the games.

The only thing surprising is that this hack is normally an NRL mouthpiece … and he’s about as independent as Russia.

SINNER II

WAYNE Bennett’s criticism of Johnathan Thurston and the players’ union for finally showing some strength and backbone as an association. It’s OK for Bennett to earn $1 million a year (even when he leaves the Knights in a mess) but then grumbles when players try to make a quid themselves.

COMMISSIONER BENNETT?

STILL on Bennett, we’re hearing the seven-time premier coach is showing interest in replacing John Grant when he steps down as chairman of the NRL’s independent commission after the 2017 season.

It would give Bennett two more years as Broncos coach.

Wayne Bennett is showing interest in replacing John Grant.

WORLD CUP PLANS DIGESTED

SOCCER boss David Gallop and national coach Ange Postecoglou having dinner and plotting the next step in their undefeated World Cup campaign at Verde restaurant in Darlinghurst.

POWER OF LOVE

ALEX McKinnon has delivered this beautiful social media message to his partner Teigan Power: “Massive congratulations on finishing your primary school teaching degree babe. Throughout our crazy two years, you managed to finish your degree with flying colours. The passion you have for teaching inspires me every day to find something I truly believe in and enjoy doing. Love you always x.”

GAL AVOIDS TROLLS

IN a wise move in the lead-up to last night’s game in Townsville, Sharks skipper Paul Gallen shut down his social media activities on Twitter and Instagram to avoid the trolls.

ROOSTERS ENJOY SPOILS

THE Roosters get plenty of benefits from using the world-class training facilities at Allianz Stadium.

Like on Tuesday, when the SCG Trust agreed to show Jarryd Hayne’s NFL debut for the 49ers on the giant screens at each end of the ground while they were training.

Originally published as Wayne Bennett showing interest in replacing John Grant as chairman of NRL’s independent commission