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If all reports are true, Blake Ferguson will be a Rooster in 2015. He is currently being mentored by club legend Brad Fittler and is participating in an off-field role with the club.
As a Sydney Roosters fanatic, I am extremely concerned for a number of reasons about Ferguson joining our club.
Firstly, when Sonny Bill Williams came to the club in 2013, he brought a change of attitude and professionalism that the players had instantly benefited from. The lack of off-field disruptions was outstanding compared to when Todd Carney and Nate Myles were in the paper weekly for off-field incidents.
If Blake Ferguson were to come to the club, he would have to swear off booze and keep himself out of the spotlight. His focus would need to be football, not alcohol.
Sorry Blake, no more Cruisers on the roof.
There’s no denying he’s a wonderful talent, who on his day could be as devastating as Greg Inglis. But his off-field antics have always gotten in the way of his football ability.
Secondly, do the Roosters really want to take another gamble with a player renowned for off-field discretions? Think Todd Carney, Nate Myles or Willie Mason – the Roosters have tried with these players, have had some success, but only in the short term.
The Eastern Suburbs isn’t the place you want players near, if you want them to stay out of the spotlight. The temptations are too great. The Mitchell Pearce yellow dress incident in recent times cost him his Game 1 Origin position.
Thirdly, do the Roosters need him in the backline? With Anthony Minichiello perhaps in his final year at the club, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be playing fullback, opening up an opportunity for young stars, Tautau Moga and Nene McDonald for the wing position in 2015.
Tautau has had a very troubled last two years coming off two knee reconstructions after scoring seven tries in 14 games in 2012 for the Roosters. Moga is currently attempting to gain match fitness and form, by playing for feeder club Newtown Jets in the NSW cup.
Nene McDonald recently debuted against the Bulldogs. His debut was impressive, scoring a leaping try. He is a constant danger in the Holden Cup and is considered the Roosters best young talent in the side, along with Jackson Hastings.
He will soon be demanding a spot in first grade, after playing with Papua New Guinea in the World Cup last year.
Both of these young guns are in danger of moving clubs if they aren’t guaranteed spots in first grade for future years. Should the club buy Blake Ferguson if it means getting rid of this emerging talent?
If Minichiello decides he wants to stick around for another year, he’ll most likely be looking at the wing position outside Shaun Kenny-Dowall. If that were the case, Ferguson would have to push either Kenny-Dowall, Tuivasa-Sheck, Jennings or Tupou out of the side.
Is he worth the risk?
Twitter: @Joshayyyy21
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