Blake Ferguson dealt fresh blow in bid for NRL return just one game into new contract
The former Australian winger has had his contract torn up.
Newcastle club Kurri Kurri has terminated Blake Ferguson's contract by mutual agreement after just one game. In a bid to return to the NRL, Ferguson signed on with the country footy club in October but only made a single appearance for the side.
The Daily Telegraph reports the club parted with Ferguson after multiple off-field allegations. The masthead stated that "well-placed sources" indicated Ferguson was no longer welcome at the club. The former Eels winger played in round one for the Bulldogs before missing their round 2 loss to Maitland.
Newcastle rugby league general manager Adam Devcich confirmed in a statement that Ferguson had been released. "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."
Ferguson played 249 NRL games before leaving Parramatta for Japanese rugby in 2021. He then moved to English club Leigh Centurions in 2022 before returning to Australia to play bush footy.
The 34-year-old has a checkered past, which included a series of off-field issues to go with scintillating performances on the field. Ferguson represented Australia in seven Tests, played nine State of Origin games for NSW and played for NRL sides Cronulla, Parramatta, Canberra and Sydney Roosters, scoring 126 tries.
Blake Ferguson hoped to resurrect his rugby league career in Newcastle
After a difficult few years, Ferguson headed to Newcastle to try to resurrect his footy career. When Ferguson's signing was announced, the football community were excited to see if the powerful winger still had it.
"What a huge signing for our club," the club wrote on social media at the time. "We are proud to announce that Blake Ferguson has signed with the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs for the 2024 season.
"Blake is a former NRL player, Blues’ State of Origin and Australian player and we are stoked to have him on board. Welcome to the Bulldogs, Blake!" The rugby league world rejoiced with his signing news and hoped it would kickstart a late-career resurgence. One user commented "Wow" while another chipped in, "This is massive for Kurri. Go Bulldogs".