CHRIS Sandow opens up on life after football and we reveal the former NRL player helping the young stars with their diets.

New Warriors coach Stephen Kearney reveals his structure, a young Dragon on the rise and a Rabbitoh on the hop.

The season is over but Private Ryan is taking you behind the scenes of the greatest game of all for the last time in 2016. However, Private Ryan will return in the new year.

SANDOW TALKS RETIREMENT

Round 20

With his NRL future in limbo, Chris Sandow admits he’s starting to think about life after football.

Turning 28 in January, the halfback revealed he wants to move work with children once he hangs up the boots through mentoring and social work.

“When I was at Souths I did a sport and rec Cert. Four,” Sandow told Private Ryan.

“I want to do mentoring stuff and work with kids after my career.

“I want to be able to help the kids because they are the future. If you put the right path in front of them and right direction, everyone has their own way of going about things. I can give them advice and point them in the right direction.”

Former NRL star Chris Sandow back in Australia. Source: News Corp Australia

As a teen, Sandow admits he was caught up in the wrong crowd.

It was something his parents knocked on the head early otherwise he could have easily walked down a different path.

Reflecting on the positive influences he had early in his life, Sandow said he wants to pay it forward and offer advice and guidance to children who are potentially headed in the wrong direction.

“It is (rewarding). I had heaps of role models back in the community,” he explained.

“I was a troubled child and I had to go away from my mainstream friends.

“I told them I would still be their friend but had to go away and couldn’t be doing what they were doing and they respected that. We’re still close mates.”

TITAN TURNED DIETITIAN

Former Gold Coast player Kayne Lawton. Source: News Corp Australia

Former Gold Coast hooker Kayne Lawton hasn’t played in the NRL since 2012 but he’s still making an impact.

The 27-year-old former body builder has started forming personalised meal plans for current NRL players to keep their skin folds down during the off and pre-season.

A handful of players like Parramatta’s Clint Gutherson are on the seven day meal plan which Lawton tailors to each athlete’s specific needs.

Lawton also spent time with Manly before heading to France, finishing his NRL career with seven first grade games.

HUSH, HUSH

Which Sydney club has banned mobile phones from the dressing sheds?

Players have been told they must have their phones in their bags when they enter training in a bid to increase communication.

WARRIORS COACHING SET UP

New Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has revealed his coaching set up for next year.

Since taking over from Andrew McFadden, who will stay on as an assistant, Kearney has recruited former England coach Steve McNamara.

Along with champion halfback Stacey Jones, the foursome will spearhead Kearney’s plan to drive the Warriors towards premiership glory.

“Myself and Cappy are in control of the defence and I’ve got Steve McNamara, who’s a very experienced coach, he’s got Stacey (Jones) helping him out with the attack,” Kearney said.

“That’s how it’s working for us. We’ll sit down and go through it as a coaching group but I’ve made it that Steve and Stacey’s responsibility to look after the attack and Cap and myself to look after the defence.”

ONE TO WATCH

Jai Field of the Dragons scores a try in the NYC. Source: News Corp Australia

Keep an eye out for Dragons half Jai Field next year.

We’re reliably informed he’s been training the house down.

While he’s still only a teenager and will play NYC in 2017, the halfback is a star on the rise.

Training with the NRL side over the pre-season, the 75 kilo playmaker will need to add a bit of meat to his slender frame before pushing for a first grade nod.

With great agility, speed and a natural playmaking vision, Dragons fans should be excited for what the future holds.

CLASS ACT FROM CRONULLA

Hats off to Cronulla. Their CEO Lyall Gorman jumped on a plane to Queensland last week to visit one of the club’s longest-running members, who’s doing it tough.

Johnny Ryan is a devoted Sharks fan who is ill, so Gorman made the trip north to surprise him with a Sharks jersey and special video message from Paul Gallen. Well played, fellas.

SPOTTED

Parramatta were in pre-season camp on the Central Coast from Monday through Thursday and stayed at a caravan park.

During their stay the team played a friendly game of cricket and invited some of the park’s guests to join them

SPOTTED II

Bulldogs star Josh Reynolds watching the Sydney Kings with recently retired Panther Jamie Soward.

ED THE BEAR

South Sydney centre Ed Murphy has signed with North Sydney for 2017.

The 24-year-old made his NRL debut this year, playing two games in the top grade but was not offered a fulltime contract for next season.

He’ll still be part of the Rabbitohs family courtesy of their feeder side, the Bears.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Fullback is arguably the most influential position on the field these days.”

— CEO Matt Gidley speaking about the signing of Kalyn Ponga to a four-year-deal.

THE SOCIAL SCENE

Paul Gallen took part in a chicken rib eating competition to raise money for the Save Our Sons charity last week.

Paul Gallen posts on Instagram. Source: Instagram

This writer is on Twitter @Nath_Ryan

Download the new FOX SPORTS App to get the latest news and scores from your NRL team.