Exiled NRL star Blake Ferguson is a step closer to making a shock return to the competition after a magistrate set aside his conviction for an indecent assault charge.
The judge upheld Ferguson's guilt over a 2013 indecent assault charge but set aside his conviction on the provision that he stay away from alcohol outlets and seek counselling for alcohol abuse.
Ferguson joined the Sydney Roosters in a non-playing, community and youth coaching role in May, and the court ruling could open the door to the club trying to register a contract for this season before the June 30 deadline.
The NRL said it would take Thursday's ruling and a range of other behavioural factors into account when considering any club's request to re-register him.
"We'd have to review any contract before deciding whether he was re-registered with the league," an NRL spokesman said.
The 24-year-old former Canberra and Cronulla winger was convicted in December of groping a 24-year-old woman's crotch during a boozy night out at Cronulla's 2230 nightclub.
The incident occurred on June 16, 2013 as Ferguson celebrated his selection for the NSW Origin side with state teammate, Josh Dugan.
He was handed a two-year good behaviour bond in February and immediately launched an appeal.
Sydney District Court Judge Michael Finnane on Thursday reduced Ferguson's good behaviour bond to one year.
"Alcohol is an enemy for you, not a friend," Judge Finnane told Ferguson.
Judge Finnane said he was prepared to lessen the punishment, in part, because of Ferguson's "deprived" and Aboriginal background.
He said he accepted Ferguson did not touch the woman on the vagina but on the upper thigh under her dress.
"Touching a woman under her dress in that area is an indecent assault, therefore I find the charge proven," he added.
"What he did was reckless."
Ferguson was sacked by the Raiders and dumped from the NSW Origin side last year following a string of off-field misdemeanours and a well-documented battle with alcohol.
Ferguson's fall from grace has been spectacular over the past 12 months. He burst onto the scene aged 18 and in 2011 was Canberra's top try scorer.
Ferguson's lawyer Greg James QC said his client's troubles had been devastating and outlined his long battles with alcohol.
Mr James said Ferguson was trying to stay off the booze and said he had the potential to restart his playing career.
Ferguson left the court without commenting to the waiting media.
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Topic: Exiled Ferguson back on NRL radar
