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
Squidward
Roar Rookie
What kind of girl would want to date Fergy derp let alone move in with him?! I love the photo that always gets provided on his articles. Hangover much?
bully
Guest
did you see his boxing debut? Your sister could prob put him in hospital
Cadfael
Roar Guru
And he's gone.
JayBob
Guest
First comment that makes sense. The rest must be delusional Roosters fans. As you say he's had more than one chance, but not only that, what he done is unacceptable. I like the old "Everyone deserves a second chance, did you never make a mistake when you were young?" Yeah I made plenty but I never grabbed a random girl on the ***** for fun! He is a grub and it disappoints me that NRL fans want this filth associated with the game. If it was my sister he done that to I'd probably be in jail, more likely hospital though lol.
The eye
Guest
People have to get over the fact that a lot of the guys playing in the NRL aren't angels..nothing would surprise me about what they are probably getting up to off the field and I don't want to know..let him play. SKD is as bad in defence is he is good in attack,he'd probably be the one shopped around to other clubs..Nene looked very good the other day,Moga might be wise to take the raiders green..Jenno still plays lazily
Johnno
Guest
Milford, not a bad replacement ho hum!
Andrew
Guest
"7.Pearce 6.Maloney 5.Moga 4.Ferguson (on strict conditions) 3.Jennings 2.Tupou 1.Tuivas-Sheck". Pearce & Maloney will never be a blue (SOO) thank you. 12 days time, blues will thank you Lozza! After 8 years of heartache. Maloney will be replaced 2 years time, that's for sure. With the Ferguson debate, well!!! Who cares? Certainly not be.
River Lad
Guest
With the street thug David Gyngell on the Roosters' board, Blake should fit right in. They can go out brawling together!
john badseed
Guest
Eventually someone had to step in and stop the FIFA rorts and the damage it was causing to soccer. It was allowed to go on for too long until no one had faith in the governing body of the biggest sport on the planet. If a similar situation is allowed to occur in League it will eat the game. Perhaps steps should taken from those inside. Come on Muzz face the facts.
Steve
Guest
This is disgraceful if true. He should be in prison, not in line for half a million a season at the roosters.
Muzz
Guest
Only in your delusional mind is this real. Wake up to yourself, john
john badseed
Guest
I understand your red, white and blue tinted glasses Muzz but my ranting has a basis in fact. I've nothing personal against Easts supporters as a whole. Support any team you want and be proud of them. I've copped bucket loads for being a Manly fan over the past 40 years. However, those directing your club show contempt for the footy loving public. Gripes over refereeing, team roster and tactics are not solely the domain of myself and Manly fans. I read many similar complains on the Roar site from supporters of other clubs over the favouritism shown to your team. This perception has come since 9's new rights deal with the NRL. Easts are a proud foundation club and deserve respect but the current lack of faith in the NRL can be linked to last years GF setup and SOO game 1 this year.
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
This is just ridiculous.
Muzz
Guest
Grow up and stop hijacking threads with your sour grapes Manly rubbish, John It's the same garbage every day and i don't think i'm the only one thats over it. Challenge yourself to make a positive contribution for a change.
john badseed
Guest
Here's how the rorters work. Having paid for the NRL rights, Gyng and his lackeys at 9 will ensure that any future indiscretion by Ferguson will be overlooked by the Games broadcaster. Similarly the tired hacks at the Tele will simply report what they have heard from 9's spin doctors, i.e. "Blake has adjusted well to his new home and the mentoring of Freddy. He is happy with his settled life and is putting 110% into his footy. Coming to a champion team has been the best thing that could happen to Blake". He will be paid what he asks for as the rorters are immune to salary cap restrictions. He, like his team mates, will have any mistakes on the field overlooked by the refs and so will gain representative honours as the rorters are gifted another premiership. The NRL is under the influence of Eastern Suburbs business practices and backed up by the likes of Ray Hadley. How the supporters of other clubs facing salary cap restrictions, woeful refereeing and lack of exposure can tolerate this situation is beyond me.
Andy
Guest
The biggest rort is Ferguson getting a job mentoring young people. What the hell, seriously. Second chances sure, I have no problem with him playing again, but gift wrapping a job for someone that they are grossly unsuitable for because they had all that 'bad luck' and 'deserve a go'.
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
I honestly dont think thats a good look for the game that we're putting those kinds of measures in the game, but in some cases.. Some players get off too easy and should spend far more time out of the game for serious issues.
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
I completely agree. I think SKD will stay, he's been one of our best all year and is in the top 5 for Roosters try scorers of all time now. Moga is a work in progress. If he can play every game this year and have a full pre-season for the first time in at least 5 years, he will be ready for first grade. I'd personally love to see him play again soon but i know that isnt the reality. 1. RTS 2. Tupou 3. Jennings 4. Moga 5. SKD 6. Maloney 7. Pearce
Freddy from Bondi
Guest
I agree...I'm really nervous about signing Ferguson. The only way I believe the should do it is if they structured his contract so that a significant portion of his cash is withheld until he sees out the contract period. If he stuffs up in the meantime, cut him loose and save the cash. Also his signing should only occur if they dont resign Mini and cut SKD loose. The roosters have been great in recent years and developing junior talent, they cant afford to lose Moga just to give Mini one more year. Roosters 2015 backline: 7.Pearce 6.Maloney 5.Moga 4.Ferguson (on strict conditions) 3.Jennings 2.Tupou 1.Tuivas-Sheck
ken oldman
Guest
If the best the Roosters can do in the way of mentors is "one of the top 3 players of all time" ala Freddy........who is a kindred spirit of Ferguson well IMO it will be a complete waste of time.