Blake Ferguson Stood down indefinately

[rhugh89]

NSW State of Origin player Blake Ferguson charged with indecent assault

• Dean Ritchie and Mark Morri
• From:The Daily Telegraph
• June 18, 201312:00AM

NSW Origin player Blake Ferguson arrives at Waverley police station on Monday afternoon. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: The Daily Telegraph





UPDATE: NSW winger Blake Ferguson has been stood down from Origin II and been suspended from playing after he was charged last night with indecent assault.

The NSW State of Origin camp was thrown into turmoil after he was sacked for Origin II in Brisbane next week.
And a clearly fed-up NRL reacted further by suspending him from all matches "over repeated behavioural issues involving the abuse of alcohol".

Ferguson was yesterday arrested and charged with indecently assaulting a woman at a Sydney nightclub.

He was bailed to appear in Waverley Local Court on July 16.




The 23-year-old Canberra Raiders winger is alleged to have groped a 23-year-old woman, who slapped him after the incident at a Cronulla bar on Sunday night. Police sources said CCTV footage captured the alleged incident at 2230 Restaurant and Bar in Cronulla Mall about 10.30pm.

It is understood Ferguson's NSW teammate Josh Dugan, who was also drinking, has been cleared of any involvement by the CCTV footage.

"After the incident there was an exchange between Ferguson and a male friend of the girl," the police source said.
"They left the club and went straight to the police station and complained."


FROM BOOZE TO BLUES FOR DOOGS


Ferguson was reportedly ejected from the premises and then refused re-entry by security, who were acting on the advice of police. But, according to a witness, Ferguson re-entered through a rear door before the alleged altercation took place.

He arrived at Waverley police station last night flanked by Blues team managers Craig Young and Burt Lowrie and solicitor Paul McGirr.

The NRL will determine when Ferguson can return to rugby league after consulting with Canberra and the NRL integrity unit.

Ferguson becomes the second NSW player stood down for Origin II after prop James Tamou was cut from the squad after a high-range DUI reading while driving unlicensed.

The integrity unit made a recommendation to NRL chief executive Dave Smith last night that Ferguson be sacked from the Blues side.


Origin Game 1

Blake Ferguson in action for the Blues in Origin I. Picture: Gregg PorteousSource: The Daily Telegraph



"The fans do not want to see the game tarnished and neither do the players," Mr Smith said.

"It's time for people to understand that the game isn't going to accept this sort of (alleged) behaviour.

"The first step in Blake's case is to make a clear call in relation to Origin and we will consult with the Raiders to determine the minimum period we would look at in terms of suspension."

Ferguson and NSW team-mate Josh Dugan were drinking at 2230 Restaurant and Bar in Cronulla when the alleged incident occurred.


The same two players were caught drinking on a Canberra rooftop earlier this season, Dugan was subsequently sacked by the Raiders.

2230 Bar

The 2230 bar and restaurant in Cronulla, where the Blake Ferguson incident is alleged to have taken place. Picture: Brett CostelloSource: The Daily Telegraph




A source close to Canberra said: "This is why we had to spilt them."

Patrons at the bar claim Dugan didn't misbehave but was drinking despite having a scan yesterday on an injured ankle. He will not face any action.

St George Illawarra will also be frustrated Dugan was drinking after wearing a moon boot for his injury twice in the past two weeks.


LIFE AND TIMES OF BLAKE FERGUSON

Age: 23
NRL games: 101


2009

March: Makes NRL debut for Cronulla in round one clash with Penrith

2010

January: Called up to play for the Indigenous All Stars, following injury to Justin Hodges

July: Angers Cronulla fans by announcing he plans to leave the club in order to play for a team capable of winning a premiership

August: Signs two-year deal with Canberra

2012

April: Makes NSW Country Origin debut and named man of the match, scoring a double in 24-22 loss to City

May: Suspended by Raiders for one week, along with Josh Dugan, for breaching the club's alcohol policy by reporting to training while drunk

November: Removed from a music festival after reportedly spitting on patrons.

2013

January: Walks out of emerging Blues camp due to personal issues, before later apologising to NSW coach Laurie Daley

March: Finds himself in trouble after drinking with Dugan instead of turning up to a recovery session. Ferguson is fined $10,000, banned for one week and ordered to undergo counselling sessions. Dugan is sacked.

March: After serving one-week suspension, Ferguson returns and vows to stay off alcohol for six weeks to turn his season around

May: Makes his State of Origin debut for NSW in a 14-6 victory

June: Named to take on Queensland in game two alongside good mate Dugan. After a drinking session, Ferguson is investigated over an alleged incident at a Cronulla nightspot.

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Phil Rothfield says Blake Ferguson, Josh Dugan and James Tamou don't deserve to wear NSW jersey

• Phil Rothfield
• From:The Daily Telegraph
• June 18, 2013 12:00
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  NSW winger Blake Ferguson has been stood down from State of Origin II and had his NRL playing registration suspended after being charged with indecent assault. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph
  
  

SOME players obviously don't respect the Blues State of Origin jersey enough.

Front-rower James Tamou is one of them. So too are Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan.
NSW has its best chance in eight years to win a series yet this lot are more worried about their social lives than a series win. In the middle of an Origin campaign, Tamou blows almost four times the alcohol limit with three passengers in the car, driving unlicensed.
Then on the evening before camp, serial offenders Ferguson and Dugan decide to have a night on the tiles in Cronulla.
Dugan did nothing wrong and Ferguson, who's been charged by police, remains innocent until proven otherwise.
Regardless, why were they out in the first place? Dugan is supposed to be undergoing treatment for an ankle injury.
If they cared enough about this series, the jersey, their teammates or their fans they would have been at home.

Josh Dugan

Recalled Blue Josh Dugan was out with former Raiders teammate Blake Ferguson at the weekend. Picture: Brett CostelloSource: The Daily Telegraph



There are seven-year-olds in this state who have never seen the Blues win a series.
Their mums and dads save for 12 months to buy tickets to fill ANZ Stadium every year to support the team. Too bad a few foolish players don't reciprocate.
This sort of behaviour only gives more ammunition to many north of the border who are of the belief that Origin passion was invented and patented in Queensland.
NSW are less than 10 days away from their biggest game in almost a decade. They can do without these disruptions on the first day of camp.
Coach Laurie Daley originally had his doubts about Ferguson and his past behaviour.
At the beginning of the season he was little hope of making the side because of a history of indiscretions.
"I don't know if he's earned the jumper yet," Daley told me about six weeks before the side was chosen.
But form demanded he was picked. I wrote only yesterday the Raiders star is now the best centre in the game.
He was supposedly our own version of Greg Inglis.

James Tamou

NSW prop James Tamou has been charged with drink driving and driving while unlicenced. Picture: Gregg PorteousSource: The Daily Telegraph



Right now his career is in tatters. I'm pleased his jersey will go to someone who cares.
Nathan Merritt is a gifted winger. So too is Akuila Uate. Even throw in Michael Gordon on the wing or Manly powerhouse Jorge Taufua.





http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-wear-nsw-jersey/story-fni3fh9n-1226665283759

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NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley tries to keep Blues focused as Blake Ferguson drama unfolds

• Dean Ritchie
• From:The Daily Telegraph
• June 18, 201312:00AM
  

NSW coach Laurie Daley at a Blues coaching clinic at Coogee Oval in Sydney yesterday. Source: Getty Images


NSW coach Laurie Daley should be plotting the end of Queensland's State of Origin seven-year reign.

Instead, he is dealing with a camp in confusion after Blues bad boy Blake Ferguson was kicked out of Origin and stood down from rugby league for the foreseeable future.
Ferguson's career hangs by a thread, the Canberra powerhouse charged with one count of indecent assault for which he'll face court on July 16, the day before Origin III at ANZ Stadium.
Further, he'll forfeit $60,000 in match payments should he have represented NSW in the two remaining Origin matches this year.
NRL boss Dave Smith last night said Ferguson's alleged behaviour - a late-night incident at a Cronulla nightspot - was simply "not acceptable" in rugby league.
"I think we have given a very clear message. Fans don't want it. Players don't want it. The vast majority of people in our game don't want it. These sorts of behaviours are not going to be tolerated," Smith said on Fox Sports last night.
"There's a bit of work to do to understand what that minimum suspension will be".
Daley is considering Rabbitohs tryscoring sensation Nathan Merritt, Manly winger Jorge Taufua and former Blues and Kangaroos winger Akuila Uate as Ferguson's replacement for Origin II.
But the first year Blues coach was last night attempting to get his players' focus on the June 26 showdown at Suncorp Stadium in the wake of a 23-year-old female accusing Ferguson of inappropriately touching her at a Cronulla bar at 10.30pm on Sunday.
"It's certainly not perfect," Daley said.
"I don't know the exact details. My job is to coach the team and that is what I am doing."

Blake Ferguson

Blues winger Blake Ferguson is escorted from the Crowne Plaza at Coogee yesterday en route to Waverley Police Station. Picture: Bob BarkerSource: The Daily Telegraph



Ferguson and Dugan were drinking at 2230 Restaurant and Bar in Cronulla when the alleged incident occurred. The same two players were caught drinking on a Canberra rooftop earlier this season, Dugan was subsequently sacked by the Raiders.
Patrons at the bar suggest Dugan was relatively well-behaved but he was drinking despite having a scan yesterday on an injured ankle. He will not face any action.
At 11.18am yesterday, the pair were taken from the NSW players' room inside the Crowne Plaza, Coogee, to meet with senior Blues officials. Ferguson was later arrested, charged and bailed at Waverley police station, but earlier in the day he appeared in good spirits when he arrived for day one of camp, high-fiving teammates.

Only a day before the alleged incident, Ferguson tweeted Dugan, writing: "Congrats to big Joshy Dugan, very happy for you bra #wereback."

Canberra issued a media statement yesterday, saying: "At this stage we are working with police, the NSWRL management and the NRL integrity unit and will make no further comment."



http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...on-drama-unfolds/story-fni3fqyo-1226665310135

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Paul Kent: Lack of respect for people who have publicly backed him is the biggest indictment against Blake Ferguson

• Paul Kent
• From:The Daily Telegraph
• June 18, 201312:00AM
  
  
  

LAURIE Daley had a lot to weigh up when he considered Blake Ferguson. Now the NRL has done the same. What we all want to know is when Ferguson, who may well now be sacked by Canberra, will do some introspection of his own.

The game stood firm on its new line in the sand last night when NRL boss Dave Smith, after strong stands against on-field violence (Paul Gallen) and off-field misbehaviour (James Tamou), stood Ferguson down indefinitely following a series of alcohol-related incidents.
The Raiders sacked Josh Dugan in March after he missed training, posting a photo of himself instead drinking alcohol on his rooftop. Ferguson was there behind him.
The Raiders told Ferguson he was on his last chance.

They fined him $10,000, suspended him a game and ordered him to undergo alcohol counselling. The following Saturday night, when most people would have been home, embarrassed at their behaviour, Ferguson was at Northbar in Canberra. With his shirt off. Dancing on a table.
Soon after, though, Ferguson went on a booze ban and it allowed his talent to flourish to such an extent he was picked for his Origin debut three months later.
Then Sunday night he reunited with Dugan, got back on the drink and now finds himself with a court date and out of Origin.

Daley took a chance with Ferguson. He gambled he wouldn't disrespect him by playing up, and, to his disappointment, saw it took just two games for Ferguson to let him down.
His teammates were relying on him against Queensland next week. They too have been let down.
It seems to me the lack of respect for people that have publicly backed him is the biggest indictment against Ferguson.
When does he understand the game did not begin with his debut in 2009?

 

[rhugh89]

Anthony Mundine reaches out to help disgraced NSW flyer Blake Ferguson

• PHIL ROTHFIELD
• THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
• JUNE 19, 2013 12:00AM

ANTHONY Mundine turned up to the NSW State of Origin team hotel at 8am yesterday to collect the footy player he calls his little cousin.


Dumped Blues winger Blake Ferguson got into his car, fighting back tears, and headed to Sydney airport for the short flight home to Canberra. Mundine took the flight too."It's what you do for your family," Mundine said last night. "He's obviously upset about what's happened but he was OK and he's trying to stay as positive as he can."Ferguson was axed from the Blues team and the NRL suspended his registration on Monday, citing repeated behavioural issues involving the abuse of alcohol.Police charged the 23-year-old with indecent assault over an alleged drunken incident on Sunday at 2230 Bar and Restaurant in Cronulla and he will face court on July 16, the day before Origin III.

After the high of the win in the series opener and joining the Origin II camp, Mundine dropped Ferguson back at the offices of his club, the Canberra Raiders.Mundine headed straight back to the airport but wants to be personally involved in Ferguson's rehab."Blake's a good kid but he's got a problem with alcohol," Mundine said. "He's not an alcoholic but like a lot of other people, he has issues when he drinks.

Anthony Mundine (L) has offered a helping hand to his cousin Blake Ferguson.



"There are lot of examples of other players now and in the past who have had the same problem. I just want him to come out the other side of this. We're going to help him."Both Raiders boss John McIntyre and coach Dave Furner have said they will stand by the troubled winger.No decision will be made on his future until after his court case but the Raiders will not tear up his contract.Mundine wants Ferguson to temporarily move to Sydney.It would be a good move considering Mundine, for all his own dramas, doesn't drink and leads a healthy lifestyle."I want him to stay at my place for at least a couple of weeks," he said. "He can just hang with me, do some training, until we get it all sorted out."Blake is not making excuses but a lot of people don't realise what a tough time he's been through growing up."Ferguson's NSW replacement Nathan Merritt said he was disappointed to see him axed and hoped his Indigenous All-Stars teammate would get the right help around him to get his career back on track.



http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...r-blake-ferguson/story-fni3gmmu-1226665898597

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Paul Kent says fans are right to be fed up with their misbehaving NRL stars

• PAUL KENT
• THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
• JUNE 19, 2013 12:00AM

A "typical" day in the life of an NRL player looks, apparently, like this. After a good, solid warm-up he takes the field and pees in his shorts, shaking it loose with the legs, because, hey, when you gotta go you gotta go, lol.


Halfway through the game he stands and fires a one-two into his opponent, wins the game, then heads out to celebrate with a beer or 10.Before the clock even reaches midnight he is kicked out, but shows that some of his best footwork comes off the field when he sneaks back in through the kitchen.He likes the little blonde over in the corner, so he goes over and ends up getting his face slapped. Her boyfriend isn't all that happy.On his way back to his car he is still frustrated by the knockback and, well, did you see the way that street sign was looking at him?Nobody looks at him like that and gets away with it, so he rips the street sign out of the ground and puts it through some poor innocent's car window. They can deal with it in the morning. Not his problem.

Then he jumps into his car, unlicensed and with a cabin full of mates, and gets pinched for drink-driving before arriving home with one of the girls his mate pulled earlier where, somehow, she ends in casualty with a fractured eye socket.Not a lot of players will be happy with that summation of life in the NRL this morning, but who is to blame?The media, for reporting it? The clubs, who for too long tolerated it? The NRL, who for too long washed its hands of it? How about, for once, yourselves?Yes, our man above is a composite. But all these incidents have surfaced, in relation to various NRL players, in just the past month.They have made the game a punchline. A spear for anyone trying to defend the game.

Frustration levels are at an all-time high around rugby league, and if the players are annoyed at being categorised this way, it is nothing on the pain of tens of thousands of fans who are continually disappointed by those representing the game they love.And, for many, it is a love. They give up their weekends for it, they spend their lives around it. They push their children, their greatest treasure, into it.So if you're a player who is unhappy about being labelled this way, then do something about it. Grab the teammate stepping over the line. Raise the standards of what's acceptable at your club. Don't tolerate anything you would be embarrassed to tell your mum about.None of us are immune from poor behaviour on the drink. Occasionally, we all need someone looking out for us when we have too many, and decision-making is compromised.Be that guy to draw a line, and stop the cycle of self-inflicted wounds.Thousands are turning away from the game every week.

Realise that the mums, as they keep telling us, really are important. You can't grow a sport if the only people who love it are those who already love it. The game needs to reach new fans.In a season when the television deal is worth double what it was last year, television ratings are down. Why?Those who already love the game are still watching, but those who can take it or leave it have left it. They can watch the Socceroos, who don't pee their pants because they couldn't be bothered using the toilet in the dressing room two minutes earlier.What has rugby league done to make them feel proud? The season started with last year's feel-good story, Dally M medal winner Ben Barba, being stood down after admitting to gambling and alcohol problems.Now, halfway through we have two incidents being investigated involving alleged violence against women.Many NRL players come from underprivileged backgrounds, a far higher proportion than other codes. It can be reasonably argued that many players, having grown witnessing alcoholic parents, domestic violence and other troubles, are coming from further back than other codes. But when do we stop making it an excuse?When do we stop celebrating the game's appetite for giving second chances and say our game deserves better? As incidents keep happening, those second chances begin to look like an excuse for weak management.Mark Bosnich was telling me yesterday about his glory days at Manchester United. Every time a player took his wife out to dinner, he said, they would tell the club and Man U would send a bodyguard."You wouldn't see them," he said. "Sometimes they'd just be outside."Single players would go to nightclubs with bodyguards standing in shadows. If they took a girl home, the bodyguard accompanied them all the way to the door."It's a billion-dollar industry," Bosnich said, and so they protected it.

The NRL is also a billion-dollar industry. So why has it gone so long?Because we have tolerated it too long. Excused it too long.Blamed others for too long.Covered it up for too long.We have done everything but the right thing.Until now, when the NRL declared tolerance was now zero.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...having-nrl-stars/story-fni3fh9n-1226665868376






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Life goes on for Laurie Daley and the NSW Blues

• DEAN RITCHIE
• THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
• JUNE 19, 2013 12:00AM

LAURIE Daley sat back yesterday afternoon on a stool in the ground floor cafe at Coogee's Crowne Plaza and laughed out loud at a joke from assistant Steve 'Blocker' Roach.

If Daley was laughing on the outside, he must be crying on the inside.In his debut series as NSW coach, Daley has endured a week from hell.Jarryd Hayne pulled out injured, James Tamou was suspended, Josh Dugan was out drinking and then Blake Ferguson was arrested.He had lost his two strike backs and his biggest forward.Speaking with The Daily Telegraph, Daley said: "But there are no excuses mate. There are no excuses in Origin."You always have fit players take the field and always have players capable of playing their best.


"It's not ideal. These things happen in Origin and these things happen in club land."We have to be strong. You have to accept it and move forward. Injuries are part of the game, as are suspensions."We had everything go right in game one so obviously this will test us."But look, the fact is we still have plenty of time before game two. We can't dwell on what has happened."What's happened has happened. The players here now are ready to switch.''Daley now believes the drama is over.

NSW coach Laurie Daley has received plenty of bad news this week.



He still has seven days before Origin II at Suncorp Stadium and is desperately trying to keep his disrupted team primed and focused.He may not say so publicly but Daley feels let down. "For me, it's about the group of guys I am working with at the moment,'' he said. "I can't control what has happened and I can't let those couple of things get into my mind because that will take the focus off the team."The bottom line for me is that I have to prepare this team the best I possibly can. I am positive, upbeat and energised."It will be a challenge (getting the team focused) but you'd be disappointed if something like this affected the way they go about preparing for the game."They have to deal with these type of things at times."I'd be disappointed if players took this as an opportunity not prepare well. I wouldn't think that would happen given the players in this team are mentally strong and capable of pushing these things to the side.''Despite being sacked from the side, Ferguson will not be written off by the Blues, according to Daley."No.

The presumption of innocence is always there,'' he said. "He has been charged but he is part of our team. We will support him and help him through it.''Asked was he upset Ferguson and Dugan were drinking the day before camp, Daley said: "Players make their own decisions and that was in their own time. You live and die by your own decisions. I don't worry about those types of things. Under my control they have been great.''



http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...nd-the-nsw-blues/story-fni3fqyo-1226665842690

 

[Jekk]

He's a right tool. Side note, isn't that the same bar that someone else had a problem at.. maybe Greg Bird?

 

[rhugh89]

Canberra Raiders and Origin star Blake Ferguson banned for at least a month

• NEWS LIMITED NETWORK
• JUNE 19, 2013 4:33PM

NSW Origin player Blake Ferguson arrives at Waverley police station on Monday. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: The Daily Telegraph




BLAKE Ferguson will be required to undertake an extensive alcohol management program and will not be considered for selection for at least four weeks in the wake of his indecent assault charge.


The Raiders board determined the action today after the club met with Ferguson in Canberra following his dismissal from the NSW State of Origin camp.

"The NRL will review Ferguson’s progress with the club after a four-week period and assess his eligibility at that point," the league said in a statement."Both the NRL and the Raiders will await the outcome of court proceedings to determine a final position in relation to a charge of indecent assault laid by NSW police."Ferguson was on Monday arrested and charged with indecently assaulting a woman at a Sydney nightclub.He was bailed to appear in Waverley Local Court on July 16.


The 23-year-old Raiders centre is alleged to have groped a 23-year-old woman, who slapped him after the incident at a Cronulla bar on Sunday night.Police sources said CCTV footage captured the alleged incident at 2230 Restaurant and Bar in Cronulla Mall about 10.30pmIt is understood Ferguson's NSW teammate Josh Dugan, who was also drinking, has been cleared of any involvement by the CCTV footage.Ferguson was reportedly ejected from the premises and then refused re-entry by security, who were acting on the advice of police.But, according to a witness, Ferguson re-entered through a rear door before the alleged altercation took place.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...at-least-a-month/story-fni3gmmu-1226666409059

 

[rhugh89]

Matthew Johns: Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson must be running out of second chances

• MATTHEW JOHNS
• THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
• JUNE 21, 2013 12:00AM

I 'VE stuffed up in life, I've made mistakes.


I got lucky, I was granted a second chance. I didn't think I'd get one, but I did.I realised then that forgiveness isn't a right, it's a privilege, and when you're given that second chance you owe it to yourself, your family and those who granted you that second chance, to prove you were worthy of that forgiveness.You don't take second chances for granted and you don't take risks with it.That's why I'm absolutely astounded Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan chose to celebrate their Origin selections by going to a public nightclub and getting on the booze.If you put a risk assessment on Dugan and Ferguson getting on the "sauce" together in a Sydney nightspot, in the wee hours, you would put it at extreme.Surely one of them must have realised it was a bad idea.Earlier that day Dugan had appeared on the Sunday Footy Show talking about turning his life around. He showed glimpses of real humility.Hours later he was out in Cronulla drinking champagne out of the bottle. Talk about mixed messages. Stupidity? Arrogance? Naivety?

NRL bad boys Blake Ferguson (L) and Josh Dugan.



When this news filtered through to Dragons coach Steve Price, he must've almost fainted. Dugan is apparently close to signing a four-year contract at the Dragons for $2.8 million. I wonder if the Dragons might just hold off a while on that deal.If Price almost fainted, I can only imagine what Raiders coach Dave Furner's reaction was. Finally, after backing Ferguson several times, the troubled player was realising his potential, and the Raiders were on a roll with him.Both Price and Furner have been dudded by these two blokes. It's like Ferguson and Dugan were laughing at them behind their backs.Furner let down again, Price now realises he has put his trust in a time bomb.And what must Laurie Daley be thinking?

Two weeks ago I applauded Laurie for allowing his NSW players to enjoy a beer after the game. Treating them like men. Allowing them the basic right to enjoy a cold beer after a job well done. It took just days for the coach to be let down. James Tamou returned to North Queensland, was pulled over by police and found to be almost four times over the legal alcohol limit.And now Ferguson. Dugan dodged a bullet.On the eve of the biggest game in State of Origin history for the state of New South Wales, these players have provided their teammates with a huge distraction that has made a monumental challenge even more difficult.What now for Ferguson?A few years ago I took my family and we travelled to eastern Europe for Christmas. We stayed with a dear friend, at his father's hotel.One day we boarded a bus and headed up to Slovakia. As we crossed over the Slovakian border we arrived at a beautiful little village. We walked into the village square and sitting right in the middle is what appeared to be a giant birdcage. My friend's dad tells me it's been there for over 200 years."But what is it?""It's a cage of shame. A device used to teach young troublemakers in the town a valuable lesson.""How so?"Apparently, just a fortnight before, a young local in his late teens had vandalised a treasured monument. He was a repeat offender.

His punishment was to spend five days in the cage. He was given few clothes, no food, no water and no warm blankets.The young man, you see, had to rely on the very townspeople he had let down to feed him and to supply him with warm blankets to keep him from freezing.It was a lesson in humility, it had worked for 200 years and continues to work today.If I was Canberra CEO Don Furner, I would've considered putting Ferguson's career in the hands of the Raiders' members.Let the people who have supported him most decide if he is worthy of yet another chance.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...f-second-chances/story-fni3fh9n-1226667067226

 

[rhugh89]

Queensland captain Cameron Smith calls for NRL bad boys to become role models

• PETER BADEL
• THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
• JUNE 23, 2013 12:00AM

Australia, Queensland and Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith. Source: The Courier-Mail

​

AUSTRALIAN Test captain Cameron Smith has warned the NRL's reckless minority to lift their game, expressing his disappointment at a series of off-field scandals.


The code's No.1 ambassador, Smith has been alarmed by the Blake Ferguson and George Burgess dramas tainting the NRL's brand in the lead-up to Origin II.The NRL's integrity unit has presided over four cases in the past month, including James Tamou's drink-driving offence and a Queensland police inquiry into assault allegations against Ben Te'o.The NRL requested a report from the Queensland Rugby League into the Mal Meninga pub incident, but deemed no action was required.
Smith's glittering 11-year career has been free of off-field drama and the squeaky-clean Storm leader says his NRL peers, however reluctant, must accept their status as role models."It does sadden me what's happened," he said. "These blokes have to realise they are in a position where a lot of people look up to them.
"Kids look up to them, adults look up to them and they have to know they have to behave in the correct manner.

Hopefully those guys - the minority - realise they've made the wrong decision and be better for it."Queensland pivot Johnathan Thurston says the recent dramas are a wake-up call for every NRL player.The Cowboys co-captain was himself forced to repair his reputation after two off-field indiscretions.In 2008, he was charged with public drunkenness before being held at the Brisbane Watchhouse in September 2010 after being arrested for drunk and disorderly behaviour."In my case, I just needed to pull my head in and that's what I've done," Thurston said. "When you get a second chance and people have faith in you, you have to repay them."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...come-role-models/story-fni3gpfg-1226668096373

 

[rhugh89]

Blake Ferguson apologises to NSW State of Origin teammates

• DAVID RICCIO
• THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
• JUNE 23, 2013 12:00AM

Suspended NSW State of Origin winger Blake Ferguson has apologised to teammates. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph




EXCLUSIVE: IT appears sacked NSW Origin star Blake Ferguson might just care after all.


The Sunday Telegraph has obtained the text message an emotional Ferguson sent to members of the Blues coaching staff and every player hours after being suspended indefinitely from the game.It is the first sign of remorse from the disgraced footballer that the rugby league public has seen since he was stood down.Ferguson, who was axed from the NSW squad after being formally charged with indecent assault of a female at a Cronulla nightclub last Sunday night, appears to comprehend the impact of his actions, how he let his teammates down and the damage he's caused ahead of the state's biggest game in eight years.Sending the text just hours after being ordered to pack his bags on Monday night, the message reads: "I'm sorry I couldn't say this to you because of my emotions but I'm really sorry for any distractions I've caused. Remember I love yas (sic) all and I'm really sorry to let you down. Rip into the Queenslanders. Love yas."Ferguson is set to appear at Waverley Court on July 16 - two days before Origin III in Sydney. There is no chance of him being considered for the final match. His contract could be torn up if found guilty.The Canberra Raiders winger has been ordered to undertake an extensive alcohol management program during which time he will not be considered for selection by the NRL club

The NRL will review Ferguson's progress after four weeks and assess his eligibility. Debate has raged over Ferguson's future with many believing that after repeated infringements he's used up all his chances."If I was Canberra CEO Don Furner, I would've considered putting Ferguson's career in the hands of the Raiders members," former NSW five-eighth Matthew Johns wrote in his Daily Telegraph column last Friday."Let the people who have supported him most decide if he is worthy of yet another chance."NSW coaching staff member Steve Roach said: "I'm bitterly disappointed, as the entire league world is, with Blake's decision to put himself before the team."I don't know if the desire to play Origin was there in the first place, so if he's to get another chance he's going to have to prove to teammates and the people that have stuck by him that he does care and has that desire."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/bl...origin-teammates/story-e6freuy9-1226668043640

 

[Maid Marian]

My goodness this makes me SO mad. I cannot understand why they are not given the flick all together. There are so many players ready and willing to stand up if only to be given a chance. There should be zero tolerance. They are being paid ridiculous amounts of money and they may as well go and spit in their teams faces with this behaviour. We pussy foot around too much. In life you are only given opportunity once maybe twice- these morons just don't seem to need it or want it bad enough. They need a kick up the backside.

 

[rhugh89]

Blake Ferguson's rehabilitation at the hands of Anthony Mundine continues

• NICK WALSHAW
• THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
• JUNE 28, 2013 12:00AM

Anthony Mundine (L) has offered a helping hand to his cousin Blake Ferguson. Source: The Daily Telegraph



BLAKE Ferguson sat just four rows from the Suncorp Stadium turf on Wednesday night - hidden beneath a black hoodie as he watched the NSW Origin side crumble.


The Daily Telegraph can reveal Ferguson, the dumped Blue who is sidelined while awaiting indecent assault charges, watched Origin II live as part of a "rebuilding" process organised by cousin Anthony Mundine.The pair flew into Brisbane on game day and then, wearing caps and hoodies, sat alongside the tunnel among 25 family members of NSW rookie Nathan Merritt."I wanted Blake to be there, to be in that crowd and understand exactly what he'd given up," Mundine said yesterday. "He had to go up there to know exactly what he was missing."And afterwards, he was pumped. Kept saying to me 'Unc, I know I could help them out there'."It was a positive step."A noted teetotaller, Mundine has moved Ferguson into his Sydney home and spent the past fortnight acting as mentor, trainer and motivator.Dumped by the Blues after a drunken night out with Josh Dugan resulted in his arrest, Ferguson flew to Queensland with the three-time world champion.

Mundine then organised for the duo to sit just four rows back, among the Merritt clan.Asked how they kept from being spotted by Queenslanders, Mundine said with a laugh: "We know how to lay low, baby."And for me, it was important to get Blake up there because he needed to realise exactly what he's got. During the game, he was saying how much he wanted to be out there, how much he wanted to help."I could only say 'look, we don't know what is going to happen from here', but it's a positive step."While he may be regarded as Australia's most divisive athlete, those closest to Ferguson insist Mundine is the man best placed to resurrect the 23-year-old.Together, the pair have been starting their days with an 8km run and then the gym. The boxer is enforcing the same strict "no grog, no drugs, no swearing" house rules that have long been the mainstay of old man, Tony."Blake hasn't touched a drop of alcohol and, better, he hasn't wanted to, either," Mundine said. "We're training every day and I've also got him doing community work in the Redfern area.

Everyone knows Blake has been a bit of a wild child so, for me, it's about teaching him lifestyle. Environment. Choices. He's really taking everything on board."I would love to see him back in that NSW side for Origin III. I don't know if it's possible. We're talking all the time with the NRL and Canberra Raiders and will have to see what happens."But given Blake is yet to be found guilty of anything, I would like to see him on the field."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...undine-continues/story-fni3fbgz-1226671140246