Canberra Raiders want suspended Blake Ferguson back in their side but the NRL has blocked his return The Canberra Raiders want suspended match-winner Blake Ferguson back in their team and are disappointed the NRL has blocked his return.
Ferguson appeared in Waverley Court in Sydney on Tuesday to answer an indecent assault charge brought against him on June 18.
The case was adjourned until September 3 and the Raiders immediately applied to the NRL to have Ferguson's suspension lifted but the application was rejected.
Ferguson, who made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales on June 5, had been stood down from NRL and Origin matches since the assault charges were brought against him.
Ferguson, 23, had been accused of assaulting a young woman at a Cronulla nightclub while out drinking with former Raiders team-mate Josh Dugan on the eve of a New South Wales team camp to prepare for State of Origin game two.
After the case was adjourned Raiders chief executive Don Furner said the club sought to have him reinstated so he could represent Canberra against Parramatta tomorrow.
"We were bitterly disappointed yesterday," Furner told Grandstand's Tim Gavel on Friday.
"We had some robust conversations with the NRL. As soon as his case was adjourned we put in an application to have his suspension lifted.
"That was rejected and I'm told it is going to be reviewed early next week. We are steadfastly aiming at the St George game next week."
Furner feels Ferguson has missed enough football.
"He's missed two Origin games, which is a huge blow for anybody, and he's also missed four NRL games.
"It's a big price to pay and if this is the new regime, and it's going to be as strict as that, well that's fine as long as it's going to be the same for everyone going forward.
Since being stood down Ferguson has been undergoing counselling through both the Raiders, and independently in Sydney.
The NRL is due to receive a report by Monday on his progress.
Furner has been told the NRL wishes to review that report before they determine if he is ready to play again.
"It is frustrating and certainly would be for Blake, but we are hoping to get him back for the Dragons game," Furner said.
Source: http://au.rd.yahoo.com/sport/rss/rugbyleague/*http%3A//au.sports.yahoo.com/league/news/article/-/18062317/canberra-raiders-want-suspended-blake-ferguson-back-in-their-side-but-the-nrl-has-blocked-his-return/
Topic: Raiders want suspended Ferguson back but NRL has blocked his return
