NRL great Steve Renouf has offered a blunt opinion to his social media followers after speculation former Prime Minister Scott Morrison is trying to get one of the most senior jobs in rugby league.
In a since-deleted tweet, the retired Broncos centre, 52, who won four premierships in what was a glittering career at Red Hill, simply posted ‘F off’ after seeing a report that Morrison is seeking a spot on the Australian Rugby League Commission.
The father of five – affectionately known as ‘Pearl’ to footy fans – is a prolific tweeter, often conveying his thoughts on matters such as politics, Covid-19 and rugby league.
Renouf was regarded as the best rugby league centre in the world at his peak and the proud Indigenous man also played the majority of his career with diabetes.
On Thursday, Morrison denied speculation linking to him with a position at the ARL Commission, with the former Prime Minister labelling reports as ‘pub talk’.
Scott Morrison has rubbished speculation linking him with a job on the ARL Commission
Morrison, who was booted from federal politics after this year’s general election in favour of Anthony Albanese, is an avid Cronulla fan.
He is reported to have held a brief discussion with a senior figure about a role with the governing body.
However, the 54-year-old shot down those claims, insisting he has no desire to take up a position in the greatest game of all.
‘Sounds to me like just a bit of pub talk,’ Morrison told The Daily Telegraph while attending the Sharks’ win over the Melbourne Storm on Thursday night.
‘Love the NRL and my Sharks. PVL (Peter V’landys) and Andrew (Abdo) have done a great job. Really enjoyed working with them as PM to get through Covid and to expand the Pacific program.’
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys says he has not been approached by Morrison over a role, and there are currently no plans to hand him a position in the short-term.
There are no vacancies within the organisation at present and Morrison would be required to quit parliament if he intends to pursue a career in the sport.
Since losing the election, Morrison has spent time in Bali on holiday and has regularly attended Cronulla matches, throwing his support behind his beloved Sharks on home soil in Sydney’s south.
Former PM Morrison – a Cronulla Sharks fan – insists he has no interest in a job in rugby league
Reports had suggested that Morrison had a talk with an unnamed ARL chief over a role (pictured Peter V’landys (L) and Andrew Abdo (R) – but both men deny those claims