Ayoub's a free man: no Shute ban for son of Sam

Randwick recruit Jai Ayoub is free to play in the Shute Shield, despite his involvement in the NRL betting scandal. Ayoub, the son of player manager Sam, has been charged with attempting to gain financial advantage by deception. That's the same charge levelled at former Parramatta playmaker Brad Murray, who has just copped a state-wide ban from the Country Rugby League, forcing him to part company with the Western Suburbs Rosellas until the matter is finalised in court. However, the 15-man code has taken a different stance, with a NSW rugby official confirming Ayoub is free to register for the Galloping Greens. Both men are expected to face Downing Centre Local Court on April 4.

REASSURING READING

Is there a more fascinating story this year than Adam Reynolds? Here we have a young man, without a game of NRL experience - and coming off a season ruined by injury - tasked with the responsibility of wearing the No.7 jersey for the Pride of the League, South Sydney. Will this end in tears of joy or sorrow? We put the question to astrologer and face reader Dadhichi Toth of www.astrology.com.au. Using only Reynolds's date of birth - not even his name was revealed - Toth provided the following reading: ''This one is a rising star, he's just entered into a very powerful cycle in the latter part of last year. This is a very powerful four-year period for this person. Things will improve for this man in the middle of the year. When Saturn moves into the upper part of the horoscope, as it has for him, there are great accolades, but immense responsibility comes with that. This man has a strength of character. However, and no one will know this about him, he worries a lot even though he has a very cool and calm exterior.'' There was also a precautionary word of advice. ''I'm getting the sense right now that this man could suffer some sort of injury just now,'' Toth said from his Philippines base. The news wasn't bright for Todd Carney, who was described as a man with a ''tendency for fantasy and escapism''. ''He's very competitive at the moment but he may run into some problems around June-August this year,'' Toth said. ''This could even be legal problems. He has some enemies right now that are making life very hard for him. He's a person exceedingly passionate and sometimes lacks impulse control.''

JOB FOR MESCIA

''Cherry'' Mescia has been appointed Parramatta's strength and conditioning coach. The former Magpies hooker is a replacement for Sean Burns, who recently passed away.

FRIDGEGATE FREEZE

Plenty of people have been asking me for developments in the Peter Peters ''Fridgegate'' scandal. ''Zorba'' is accused of appropriating a sponsor's fridge meant for the players. Board member Bob Reilly has done his report into complainant Steve Reilly but the matter has stalled at the other end. Another official was asked to interview former media manager Peters but hasn't yet complied with the board's instructions and failed to table a report at last week's board meeting. ''This matter has been swept under the carpet for long enough,'' one insider said.

GETTING IN THE SPIRIT

Renowned chef Anthony Bourdain will be sampling fodder of a different kind tomorrow night. Fellow foodie Neil Perry has invited the American celebrity for beers and pies at the Souths-Roosters clash at ANZ Stadium, with the experience to be filmed for the top-rating show No Reservations. It's part of a 15-day shoot in Sydney and a show at the State Theatre on Tuesday.