Just where is Blake Ferguson?
That's the word on the lips of Canberra officials after they suspended the rogue player for missing two training sessions this week.
The club has issued an ultimatum to the 23-year-old to explain his actions or face the sack, a similar proposition that faced axed fullback Josh Dugan, Fairfax reported.
The Raiders have cut Ferguson's $300,000 per year salary over missed training sessions and drinking while injured.
Attempts by Raiders chief executive officer Don Furner to contact Ferguson in the last couple of days were unsuccessful.
"We have been left with little choice but to stand Blake down from all playing and training duties, until we find out both why he has missed scheduled training commitments and why he has been drinking whilst injured, which is a clear breach of the club's rules," Furner said in a statement put out by the club.
"Blake will be given the opportunity to explain his actions, and following that he may also be required to front the board to show cause."
A date for the proposed board meeting has not yet been determined.
It is believed Ferguson wants out of Canberra to be closer to family and friends in Sydney, and he has already been linked to both Cronulla and Canterbury.
Speculation he could join the Bulldogs will only intensify following Canterbury's decision to release Ben Barba to join Brisbane in 2014.
It is understood Ferguson has advised the Raiders to contact him through his uncle Anthony Mundine, but they have had no success in doing so.
The Raiders' decision to stand down Ferguson comes just hours after interim coach Andrew Dunemann spoke out about the 23-year-old's failure to front for training.
Asked if the whole saga was becoming ridiculous, Dunemann replied: "Yeah it is, but like I said the board are handling it and I'll leave it to them."
A circus?
"I think so," Dunemann said.
The Raiders are at least well versed in dealing with problem players, with Dugan sacked in March after a series of off-field indiscretions.
One of those was skipping a recovery session, with he and Ferguson infamously choosing to drink upon a rooftop instead.
The Raiders stood by Ferguson, and again while he underwent counselling under the guidance of Mundine to deal with alcohol-related issues.
That came after he was charged with indecent assault following an alleged incident at a Cronulla nightspot in June - when he and Dugan had been out celebrating their selection in the NSW team for Origin II.
Ferguson eventually returned, but played just one more game against the Sydney Roosters in round 22 prior to being stood down on Wednesday.
Carney was sacked by the Raiders in August 2008 following a series of off-field indiscretions.
Source: http://au.rd.yahoo.com/sport/rss/rugbyleague/*http%3A//au.sports.yahoo.com/league/news/article/-/18701385/awol-blake-ferguson-on-the-brink-of-canberra-raiders-axe/
Topic: Raiders issue ultimatum to Ferguson
