Former Leigh Leopards star Blake Ferguson sacked

A semi-professional side in Australia has released an ex-Leigh Leopards star. Ex-Australia test international, Blake Ferguson, played a pivotal role in Leigh’s 2022 promotion from the Championship. However, Ferguson has courted controversy throughout his career.

Ferguson received seven caps for Australia and represented New South Wales in State of Origin nine times. However, he has struggled with a number of high-profile off-the-field issues throughout his career.

Ferguson released by semi-professional side

Ferguson had signed a contract to play for the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are a semi-professional side who play in the Newcastle Rugby League competition.

Ferguson managed just one appearance for the Bulldogs, before Kurri Kurri released him. Newcastle Rugby League general manager, Adam Devcich, issued a short statement, confirming Ferguson’s release.

“Blake was signed by Kurri but the club has released him from his obligations,” Devcich said.

“His contract has been terminated by mutual agreement. That is all that we or the club will say. Neither party will make any further comment.”

The statement included no further detail on Ferguson’s release. However, the Daily Mail in Australia reports that Ferguson’s former teammates are “furious at his alleged conduct”.

Latest fall from grace for former Leigh Leopards man

The incident is the latest is a string of off-the-field misdemeanours involving Ferguson. In 2013, Canberra Raiders stood down Ferguson for missing training. Ferguson skipped the session to go drinking with then captain, Josh Dugan.

Later that year, Ferguson received a conviction for indecent assault, following an incident in a nightclub. However, he fought his way back to NRL, signing for the Sydney Roosters and earning a call up to State of Origin in 2017.

However, NSW boss Brad Fittler dropped Ferguson from the next squad, after another alleged drinking session with Dugan. He then had short spell in Japan, playing Rugby Union, before an arrest for alleged cocaine possession saw his contract torn up.

Ferguson joined Leigh after a spell with the Paramatta Eels and was a key part of the Leopards’ success in the 2022 season. He was instrumental in their promotion winning campaign, and played in the side which won the RFL 1895 Cup at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

After leaving Leigh, Ferguson returned to Australia to play for the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs. At the age of 34, this incident surely ends any hope Ferguson had of returning to the top level.