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Blake Ferguson (rugby league)

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Not to be confused with Blake Ferguson (American football).

Blake Ferguson
Personal information
Born (1990-03-20) 20 March 1990 (age 34)
Wellington, New South Wales, Australia
Height191 cm (6 ft 3 in)
Weight102 kg (16 st 1 lb)
Playing information
PositionWing, Centre
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2009–10 Cronulla Sharks 42 16 0 0 64
2011–13 Canberra Raiders 60 36 14 0 172
2015–18 Sydney Roosters 91 51 8 0 220
2019–21 Parramatta Eels 57 24 1 0 98
2022 Leigh leopards 17 21 1 0 86
Total 267 148 24 0 640
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2010–21 Indigenous All Stars 6 3 1 0 14
2010–19 Prime Minister's XIII 3 4 0 0 16
2012 Country NSW 1 2 0 0 8
2013–19 New South Wales 9 0 0 0 0
2016–17 Australia 7 6 0 0 24
Source: [1][2]
As of 24 July 2023

Blake Ferguson (born 20 March 1990) is a former professional rugby league footballer.

During his Rugby League career he represented the Indigenous All Stars, Country NSW, and New South Wales in the State of Origin series. He was a part of the NSW Blues team that won the 2019 State of Origin series. He played for the National Rugby League team the Sydney Roosters that won the 2018 NRL Grand Final.

He previously played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Canberra Raiders and Parramatta Eels playing as a centre or fullback earlier in his career. Ferguson is also an amateur boxer.

Background

Ferguson was born in Wellington, NSW on 20 March 1990.[3] and a cousin of Anthony Mundine,[4] Ferguson is of Aboriginal descent from Wiradjuri people, and is eligible for the Indigenous All Stars.[5][failed verification]

He played his junior rugby league at Wellington Cowboys and Earlwood Saints.[6]

NRL

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Ferguson playing for Cronulla in 2009

Ferguson was the 2009 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks season's top try scorer. He was just beaten by Jamal Idris as the rookie of the year at the 2009 Dally M Awards.[7]

Following a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave the Sharks if coach Ricky Stuart left, Ferguson also left the club at the end of 2010.[7]

Canberra Raiders

Ferguson signed a 2-year deal to play with the Canberra Raiders starting from 2011.[8] He was the Raiders top try-scorer for the season.

Ferguson playing for the Canberra Raiders in 2012

Following his debut Origin game in 2013 Ferguson's league career took a highly publicised downward spiral following an indecent assault charge.[9] Ferguson finished the 2013 Canberra Raiders season as the club's top try scorer.

Sydney Roosters

In May 2014, Ferguson signed with the Sydney Roosters, who beat out South Sydney Rabbitohs for his services.[10] However, due to Ferguson's guilty verdict in his 2013 indecent assault charge, the NRL in late June 2014 rejected an application for him to join the Sydney Roosters for the remainder of the 2014 NRL season, meaning he had to wait until the 2015 season to play for his new club.[11] As part of his rehabilitation, Ferguson completed a rugby league refereeing course.[12] He was widely seen as the man to replace Sonny Bill Williams, who departed after the 2014 season.[13]

For the 2015 NRL season Ferguson's healthy form led to Wendell Sailor considering him "the second best buy of the season".[14] Following the departure of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from the Roosters, after 2015, Ferguson was anointed as the player to replace him at fullback for the 2016 season.[15][16] However, after just one game at fullback, he was moved back to the centres.[17]

Ferguson was part of the Eastern Suburbs team that qualified for the finals in 2017. In the qualifying final, Ferguson almost cost his side the game when he chose to bat the ball back into play when it was heading to the sideline enabling Brisbane winger Corey Oates to score a try and put Brisbane in front with minutes to play. Easts went on to win the game in the dying minutes thanks to a Latrell Mitchell try. In the preliminary final against North Queensland, Ferguson scored a try off a knock on from North Queensland player Justin O'Neill to make the score 16–12 with less than 15 minutes to play in the match and with Eastern Suburbs in control. In the next play from the restart Ferguson lost the ball after being hit in a good tackle by O'Neill, who had lost the ball moments earlier. In the following play North Queensland scored courtesy of Kyle Feldt and Easts never recovered losing the match 29–16 in a huge upset.[18][19][20]

On 4 July 2018, Ferguson signed a three-year contract to join Parramatta beginning in 2019. Ferguson rejected a similar offer by Newcastle and wanted a new contract with Eastern Suburbs but the club was only prepared to offer him a one-year deal.[21]

In round 25 of the 2018 season, Ferguson scored his 100th try against his future club from 2019 onwards, the Parramatta Eels. His final game for the Roosters was the 2018 NRL Grand Final, in which it was revealed that he had played the second half with a broken leg.[22]

Parramatta Eels

Ferguson made his debut for Parramatta against Penrith in Round 1 of the 2019 season. Ferguson scored his first and second try for Parramatta the following week against arch rivals Canterbury in a 36–16 victory. In Round 5 against Canberra, Ferguson suffered a badly broken nose and bruised ribs in a 19–0 loss. Ferguson was subsequently ruled out of the following week and missed the club's 51–6 victory over Wests Tigers at the new Western Sydney Stadium.[23][24]

In Round 15 against Canberra, Ferguson scored 2 tries as Parramatta came from 16–0 down to win 22–16 at TIO Stadium in Darwin.[25] On 25 July 2019, Ferguson was ruled out of action indefinitely as he had suffered an infection in his knee and required surgery. Ferguson was only expected to initially miss one match. It was reported that Ferguson also suffered a bad reaction to antibiotics. Parramatta coach Brad Arthur spoke to the media saying "His health is our No. 1 priority, We won't play him until he is 100 per cent fit".[26]

After spending 7 weeks out of action, Ferguson returned to the Parramatta side for their round 24 match against the Brisbane Broncos which Brisbane won 17–16 in Golden Point extra-time at Suncorp Stadium. Ferguson scored a second half try in the defeat.[27]

Ferguson playing for the Parramatta Eels in 2021

At the end of the 2019 regular season, Parramatta finished in 5th place on the table and qualified for the finals. In the elimination final against Brisbane, Ferguson scored a try as Parramatta won the match 58–0 at the new Western Sydney Stadium. The victory was the biggest finals win in history, eclipsing Newtown's 55–7 win over St George in 1944. The match was also Parramatta's biggest win over Brisbane and Brisbane's worst ever loss since entering the competition in 1988.[28]

On 30 September, Ferguson was named at wing for the Australia PM XIII side.

In round 17 of the 2020 NRL season, Ferguson scored his first try of the year as Parramatta defeated the New Zealand Warriors 24–18 at the Central Coast Stadium. It was Ferguson's first try in nearly 12 months with his previous try coming against Brisbane in the 2019 elimination final.[29]

In round 3 of the 2021 NRL season, he scored two tries in a 28–4 victory over Cronulla-Sutherland.[30] The following week in round 4, he scored two tries for Parramatta in a 36–22 victory over the Wests Tigers at Stadium Australia.[31] Ferguson then experienced a mid-season form slump, which resulted in him being overlooked for selection in the NSW State of Origin side for Game One of the series, as well as being dropped from the Parramatta side for their Round 12 game against the Newcastle Knights.[32][33]

After spending seven weeks in the NSW Cup, Ferguson was recalled to the Parramatta side for their round 19 match against Canberra. Ferguson set up a second half try for Parramatta during the game which they lost 12–10.[34]

In round 24, Ferguson scored two tries for Parramatta in a 22–10 victory over Melbourne. The win also ended Melbourne's 19-game winning streak.[35]

In week one of the 2021 Finals Series, Ferguson scored two tries for Parramatta in their 28-20 elimination final victory over Newcastle.[36] Ferguson's final game for Parramatta came the following week as the club lost to Penrith 8–6 in the elimination final. On 22 September 2021, Ferguson was released by the Parramatta club.[37]

Rugby Union

After being released by the NEC Green Rockets of Japanese Rugby due to pending cocaine possession charges,[38] Ferguson was reportedly set to be offered a contract by the Newcastle Knights for the 2022 NRL season. However, it was later reported Newcastle player Dane Gagai, among others, had informed the club they would walk away from their deals if an offer was made to Ferguson.[39]

Leigh

On 29 April 2022, RFL Championship side Leigh announced that they had signed Ferguson on a one-year deal until the end of the season.[40] On 23 May 2022, Ferguson made his club debut for Leigh and scored four tries as they defeated Workington Town 58-6.[41] On 28 May 2022, Ferguson won his first trophy with Leigh, defeating Featherstone 30-16 in the RFL 1895 Cup final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.[42] On 28 August 2022, Ferguson scored two tries for Leigh in a 42-4 win over Widnes.[43] On 3 October 2022, Ferguson played for Leigh in their Million Pound Game victory over Batley which saw the club promoted back to the Super League.[44]

Kurri Kurri Bulldogs

On 3 October 2023 it was reported that he had joined Kurri Kurri Bulldogs.[45] On 26 April 2024 it was reported that his contract had been terminated due to gross misconduct.[46] The following day, Ferguson signed for a new club, the Wellington Cowboys.[47]

Representative career

Ferguson representing the Prime Ministers XIII in 2011

All Stars

In 2010, he was called up to play for the Indigenous All-Stars, replacing the injured Justin Hodges.[48] In that match he famously ran down Israel Folau.[7] Ferguson was previously managed by his uncle Solomon Haumono and is now managed by Sam Ayoub.[7][49]

Country

In 2012, Ferguson had one of his best seasons on the field, representing the Country New South Wales rugby league team.[50]

New South Wales

In 2013, Ferguson made his debut for the New South Wales rugby league team in Game I of the 2013 State of Origin series.[51] He had previously been approached by Queensland rugby league team coach Mal Meninga to play for Queensland.[52]

In the 2018 NRL season, Ferguson was not selected for the 2018 State of Origin series with coach Brad Fittler opting to select wingers Josh Addo-Carr and Tom Trbojevic instead. Fittler had publicly stated to the media before the team selection that NSW needed to change its "selfish culture". Despite Ferguson's strong 2018 form, the 28-year-old's non-selection was no great shock given the players infamous afternoon at a pub with Josh Dugan five days out from the 2017 series decider.[53][54]

After missing out on selection for New South Wales in 2018, Ferguson was selected for Game 2 of the 2019 State of Origin series which New South Wales would go on to win 38–6 at Optus Stadium in Perth.[55] Ferguson was retained for Game 3 of the series which was played at ANZ Stadium in the deciding match. With 1 minute left of normal time and with the scores at 20–20, Ferguson made a break down the right-hand side of the field and beat the covering tackle of Corey Norman. Ferguson then passed to James Tedesco who crossed over for the series-winning try with 20 seconds of play left.[56]

Australia

In 2012 he made the Australia train-on squad.[50]

On 6 May 2016, Ferguson made his international debut for Australia against New Zealand in the 2016 Anzac Test,[57] scoring a try on debut.[58]

Ferguson playing for Australia

Boxing

Ferguson made his professional boxing debut on 27 November 2013 in a fight against Luke Turner.[59]

Personal life and controversies

Blake has been disciplined for several incidents of off-field behaviour. At a music festival in November 2012, he was escorted by security staff out of a VIP area after reports that he had been spitting on patrons. The Raiders refused to answer specific questions about the incident but stated that "We are aware of the incident and Blake has been disciplined internally."[60] He was also fined by the NRL after breaking their drinking policy.[61]

On 17 June 2013, Ferguson was apprehended and charged by police for an alleged Indecent Assault at the Sutherland Shire nightclub 2230.[62][63] On 6 September 2013 the Canberra Raiders sacked Ferguson.[64] On 11 December 2013, Ferguson was found guilty of June's indecent assault charge. Ferguson had pleaded not guilty arguing that he had mistaken the woman for 'another blonde woman' he had met earlier that evening at a different venue, 'Northies' but Ferguson was found guilty, placed on a good behaviour bond, and ordered to stay away from nightclubs and alcohol.[65] He was also suspended from football for more than 2 years.[66]

He converted to Islam in 2013, after taking his shahada with his cousin, Mundine, who has been a Muslim for many years.[67] He also briefly gave up alcohol.[61]

In December 2017, it was revealed that Ferguson had admitted himself into a rehabilitation centre to overcome a gambling addiction.[68]

On 30 December 2021, Ferguson was arrested in Tokyo for assaulting a patron in a restaurant and for being in possession of cocaine. He was in Tokyo to start a new career with NEC Green Rockets.[69] He was subsequently sacked by the Green Rockets.[70]

References

  1. ^ "Players". Love Rugby League. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  2. ^ "Blake Ferguson – Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project. 20 March 1990. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  3. ^ "Cronulla winger Blake Ferguson scores try of the season". Heraldsun.com.au. 23 June 2009. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  4. ^ "Mundine, Raiders in Ferguson's corner". The Sydney Morning Herald. 18 June 2013.
  5. ^ "Official Site of the NRMA Insurance Broncos | BRONCOS 2012 SEASON MEMBERSHIP ON SALE NOW!". Broncos.com.au. 7 January 2012. Archived from the original on 9 March 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  6. ^ Walter, Brad (2 June 2013). "Family backs Ferguson to take the next step". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d Jamie Pandaram (3 July 2010). "Ferguson following Stuart out of Sharks". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  8. ^ James Hooper (27 August 2010). "Blake Ferguson signs two-year deal with Canberra Raiders". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 26 August 2010.
  9. ^ "NSW State of Origin winger Blake Ferguson formally charged with indecent assault". ABC. 18 June 2013. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  10. ^ Adrian Proszenko (21 May 2014). "Blake Ferguson signs with Sydney Roosters but NRL won't allow return until 2015". Fairfax Media. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  11. ^ "Blake Ferguson's application to play for Sydney Roosters rejected by NRL". ABC. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  12. ^ Ben Horne (8 July 2014). "Ferguson completes referees course". AAP. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  13. ^ DAVID RICCIO. "Danny Wicks will play his first game for an NRL club in five years on Friday night". THE DAILY TELEGRAPH. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
  14. ^ Wendell Sailor (24 July 2015). "Wendell Sailor sorts out the contenders and pretenders". news.com.au. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  15. ^ Phil Rothfield (6 February 2016). "Former NRL bad boy Blake Ferguson snubbed Roosters bonding session to stay home with his family". The Sunday Telegraph. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  16. ^ PAUL CRAWLEY (12 November 2015). "Blake Ferguson to replace Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as Roosters fullback". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  17. ^ "Custom Match List". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  18. ^ "Cowboys charge into grand final". www.couriermail.com.au. 23 September 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  19. ^ Perry, Sam; Perry, Sam; Perry, Sam (23 September 2017). "Cowboys beat Roosters in NRL preliminary final – as it happened". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  20. ^ Pengilly, Adam (8 September 2017). "Latrell Mitchell's late try spares Blake Ferguson's blushes as Sydney Roosters stun Brisbane Broncos". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  21. ^ "Eels beat rivals to sign Ferguson for 2019". National Rugby League. 4 July 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  22. ^ Byrnes, Hayley (1 October 2018). "Ferguson played grand final with broken leg". NRL.com. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  23. ^ "Parramatta Eels thrash Wests Tigers 51–6 to christen new Parramatta Stadium". ABC News. 22 April 2019.
  24. ^ "Blake Ferguson won't be smelling the roses any time soon". www.news.com.au.
  25. ^ "Parramatta Eels slip through Canberra Raiders' grasp". Canberra Times. 29 June 2019.
  26. ^ "Parramatta Eels suffer huge blow as they lose Blake Ferguson indefinitely to infection". Fox Sports. 25 July 2019.
  27. ^ "Brisbane seal 17–16 NRL thriller over Eels". 7 News. 30 August 2019.
  28. ^ "Parramatta Eels eliminate Brisbane Broncos from the NRL Finals with a thumping 58–0 win". ABC News. 15 September 2019.
  29. ^ "Another hit part of job for drought-breaker Ferguson". www.nrl.com. 6 September 2020.
  30. ^ "Parramatta unbeaten in NRL after 28-4 win over Cronulla as Brisbane and Warriors enjoy victories". ABC News. 27 March 2021.
  31. ^ "Wests Tigers 22 Parramatta 36". ABC News. 5 April 2021.
  32. ^ "De Belin's 992-day NRL exile over as Fergo axed in brutal Eels shake-up: Rd 13 Teams". Fox Sports. 1 June 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  33. ^ "Blues frame to NSW Cup: Off-contract Ferguson axed by Eels". www.nrl.com. June 2021.
  34. ^ "Canberra Raiders hold on for 12-10 win over the Parramatta Eels". ABC News. 22 July 2021.
  35. ^ "Parramatta ends Melbourne Storm's 19-match NRL winning streak as Cronulla, North Queensland celebrate victories". ABC News. 28 August 2021.
  36. ^ "Parramatta Eels defeat Newcastle Knights 28-20 in NRL elimination final". ABC News. 12 September 2021.
  37. ^ "Blake Ferguson's NRL career likely over after Parramatta Eels announce departures of four players". www.sportingnews.com. 20 October 2021.
  38. ^ "Blake Ferguson's contract torn up after alleged assault, drugs charge in Japan". 7news.com.au.
  39. ^ "Rugby convert Blake Ferguson yet to leave Japan jail almost a month after 'drugs arrest'". www.foxsports.com.au.
  40. ^ "Blake Ferguson: Leigh Centurions sign ex-Kangaroos and New South Wales Origin winger". BBC Sport.
  41. ^ "How Blake Ferguson scored four on Leigh debut". www.leighjournal.co.uk. 23 May 2022.
  42. ^ "Featherstone Rovers: 1895 Cup final defeat to Leigh Centurions gives Brian McDermott's side signal of their progress". www.yorkshirepost.co.uk. 29 May 2022.
  43. ^ "Championship RL results and round-up: Leigh Centurions take huge step towards Super League as Halifax Panthers batter Bradford Bulls". www.seriousaboutrl.com. 28 August 2022.
  44. ^ "Leigh 44-12 Batley: Centurions seal Super League return with deserved win in Championship Grand Final". www.skysports.com.
  45. ^ "Former Leigh Leopards and NRL star Blake Ferguson finds new club in Australia". Love Rugby League. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  46. ^ "Blake Ferguson has contract terminated at new club for multiple alleged off-field indiscretions". Total RL. 26 April 2024.
  47. ^ "Blake Ferguson finds new club after Kurri contracted 'mutually terminated'". www.newcastleherald.com.au. 28 April 2024.
  48. ^ "Ferguson called up for Indigenous All Stars". Dailytelegraph.com.au. 20 January 2010. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  49. ^ Josh Massoud (24 September 2013). "Sydney Roosters chat to exiled NRL star Blake Ferguson after chance encounter at Allianz Stadium". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  50. ^ a b Chris Wilson (5 December 2012). "Raiders punish 'spitting' Ferguson". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  51. ^ NICK WALSHAW (6 June 2013). "Canberra flyer Blake Ferguson impressive in Origin debut". THE DAILY TELEGRAPH. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  52. ^ TYSON OTTO (28 May 2013). "NSW State of Origin debutant Blake Ferguson reveals Queensland coach Mal Meninga approached him to play for Maroons". THE DAILY TELEGRAPH. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  53. ^ "Blake Ferguson 'pretty disappointed' with NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler over Origin snub". www.sportingnews.com. 3 June 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  54. ^ "Just seven names remain from Fittler's round one NSW team". National Rugby League. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  55. ^ "Trbojevic and Addo-Carr lead origin try spree". Sydney Morning Herald. 23 June 2019.
  56. ^ Johnson, Paul (10 July 2019). "Emotional Blues legend Wayne Pearce opens up on his son Mitchell's battle". News.com.au.
  57. ^ "UPDATED: Representative Round team lists". NRL.com. 28 February 2016. Archived from the original on 4 June 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  58. ^ "Australia beat New Zealand 16–0 in scrappy Test". Tenplay.com.au. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  59. ^ "Blake Ferguson". BoxRec. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  60. ^ Wilson, Chris (4 December 2012). "Raiders punish 'spitting' Ferguson". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  61. ^ a b "How NRL star Blake Ferguson turned his life around". SBS News. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  62. ^ Chris Wilson (5 December 2012). "Raiders punish 'spitting' Ferguson". Canberratimes.com.au. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  63. ^ "Ferguson's NRL career hangs in the balance". Wwos.ninemsn.com.au. 19 October 2008. Archived from the original on 20 June 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  64. ^ Sydney Morning Herald 06/09/2013. Retrieved 6 September 2013
  65. ^ "Ferguson loses appeal over Cronulla nightclub assault". ABC News. 26 June 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  66. ^ "NRL star Ferguson guilty of groping woman - Yahoo!7". Archived from the original on 16 December 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  67. ^ Glenn Jackson (9 November 2013). "Blake Ferguson turns to Islam en route to redemption". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
  68. ^ "NRL star admits to shock addiction". wwos.nine.com.au. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  69. ^ Phillips, Sam (1 January 2022). "Ferguson arrested on cocaine charge in Japan after alleged assault". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
  70. ^ "Blake Ferguson sacked by Japanese rugby union club after drug-related arrest". ABC News. 3 January 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
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