UPDATED: NSW Police have charged Blake Ferguson with an alleged indecent assault on a woman at a Sydney nightclub.
It is understood Josh Dugan was present with Ferguson, but not directly implicated and has not been reprimanded.
The NRL has announced a swift penalty for Ferguson, announcing that his NRL registration had been suspended, making him ineligible for the NSW Blues and Game 2 of the series, as well as the Canberra Raiders.
A replacement for Ferguson is expected to be named on Tuesday.
“The fans do not want to see the game tarnished and neither do the players,” said NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith.
“It’s time for people to understand that the game isn’t going to accept this sort of behaviour.
“The first step in Blake’s case is to make a clear call in relation to Origin and tomorrow we will consult with the Raiders to determine the minimum period we would look at in terms of suspension.
“We have worked closely with both the NSWRL and the Canberra Raiders during this process and there remains genuine concern for the welfare of the player.
“We will offer every support to address any issues but there also has to be a clear deterrent.”
Earlier, the NSW Origin camp media conference was delayed by more than two hours as officials and NSW Police investigated allegations.
Blues coach Laurie Daley fronted the media, where he made a short statement regarding the incident.
“We have been in contact with the NRL integrity unit,” NSW coach Laurie Daley said.
“Josh Dugan was with Blake at the time but there have no allegations against him.”
Holly F
Roar Rookie
Awkward
Amazing Spiderman
Guest
Dugan is great. He has learned from his mistake and he is making a good progress. I think Fergo is not being given a harsh penalty like the one on Dugan so he is feeling ok...I believe he is a young and vibrant man so he will change. Don't blame them for any thing, mistake happens and its gone, nothing will change. Its the future to think about. Dugan is the Bad Boy so that's it.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Clipper - The major sponsors in A-League soccer are worth looking at. Their game is on the rise without alcohol or gambling industries marketing 24/7 off players profiles. If a game is built for TV and numbers tune in to watch - as rugby league is and does - then the networks sell advertising space regardless.
kev56
Guest
any establishment that has a liquor license has the greater responsibility to protect its patrons,drink or sober, the nightclub in question must have irresponsible staff - how many times have you seen a patron refused drinks because of the their state, how many times have you heard a patron being told to leave... so much for responsible service...
Boatman of River Styx
Guest
Had the league cracked down on them much earlier, we wouldn't be where we are now. They are not first offenders. They have played up serially...thuggish antics, spitting on people, arriving at training drunk....you name it, they've done it. The horse had already bolted.
Renegade
Guest
Ummm did I miss something.....it appears cracking down on these tools is exactly what they are doing?!?!
Boatman of River Styx
Guest
No wonder 3 times as many kids are playing soccer than rugby league. And 2 times as many are playing AFL. When you get the NSW coach saying that Gallen's thuggery is "a great Origin moment" parents know that rugby league has a huge cultural problem with grog and violence. It's time for rugby league to throw the thugs and mugs out of the game or become irrelevant.
johnb747b
Guest
1 Don't put yourself into a situation that might lead to 'allegations'. 2 Don't rely in advance on the defence of 'innocent until proven guilty'. Think about it beforehand. That's if you have the IQ to be able to think. 3 Your public image represents the game, not yourself. You are well paid in that role. Think about it, if you can. I'll shortly turn 70. I went through all the stages of getting on the piss, chasing skirt, all of those things. But I wasn't on the A list of players. Those on the A list need to accept & acknowledge their status, paying respect to the game. 'If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen' And let's get on with the game!
marco
Guest
More bad publicity for a game that needs better news.
Football_illiterate
Guest
no he wasnt.. the worst he did was a little sledge to the sharks on the way out in that "he wanted to go to a team that can win the comp".. he must have only been about 20 when he left..
Meesta Cool
Guest
Yup Peeko, you are right... BUT was he a problem child at that club as well?.
peeeko
Roar Guru
didnt they buy ferguson from Cronulla?
stateof911
Guest
Just a sheltered individual that has an narcissist personality, this stuff has happened since Adam was a boy and unfortunately its eve that gets hurt.
naca
Guest
Joking about a sexual assault, you make me sick. How would you feel if it was one of your family or fiends that he assaulted ? Wouldn't be joking then would you ?
Tanbla
Guest
Really can't believe it,how many people have these chances in life,and Blake stuffs up.I don't no the facts but they don't sound good.Football and grog go hand in hand.Pity about that
Dan H
Guest
"Punch drunk love"? Mr teo could possibly join in also. I mean what is wrong with these blokes. Seriously... fire them so they have to get a real job. See how much they like that.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Inappropriate touching?!?!? I think you'll find most people call it sexual assault these days...
liatrevlis
Guest
Don't stop there, there could easily be representatives from EVERY club on the board of directors for such an establishment , what a shame some of the biggest names past and present are guilty of such patheticness ,
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
Oh boatman, I just lost my s***. :)
Meesta Cool
Guest
The thing that sickens me is that Raiders have poured a lot of money into potential superstars only to lose them through alcohol related indiscretions, -- They do the right thing and kick them out of their club and the NRL/ARL shits in their face by re registering the player to another club.. It is Sooooo WRONG. I am not sure why this is happening so much to the Raiders though, it seems that they do not have any control on their staff at all. can anybody enlighten me on what the probs are at this club, or is it just Canberra itself that is the problem?.