Blues in focus : Blake Ferguson

Has there ever been a more dramatic turnaround in Origin history?

Back in March, Canberra Raiders Coach David Furner opted to play dynamic centre Blake Ferguson in the VB NSW Cup after the talented outside back participated in a roof top drinking session with now former team mate Josh Dugan.

To his credit, Ferguson took the punishment on the chin and went about getting his act together off the field, returning to the NRL in the explosive form that has recently seen him selected to make his NSW debut on the wing for the Holden State of Origin opener on June 5.

“It [Origin] was probably the last thing I was thinking about back then [in March],” Ferguson said

“I was just trying to work my butt off off the field and at training to get better on the field.

“I suppose I got in trouble a little bit but I’m really wrapped that I was named in the side.”

If there’s one thing that all good Origin players possess, it’s passion. Ferguson is clearly a passionate man and admitted to shedding a few tears of joy upon hearing about his selection.

“I don’t really read the papers,” he said

“My pop called me… I didn’t even know, he was the first one to tell me.”

“There were a little bit of tears… a few of my team mates were crying as well.

“It means the world to me, I think it means the world to all New South Welshmen to play in the blue jumper.”

While Ferguson admits to some nerves in the lead up to his debut, he insists that he will treat the game like it was just another club match.

“I’m just going to play this Origin game like I play every game… hard and tough that’s it… I’m not going to change anything.”

Ferguson attributes most of his recent growth to the support his family provided during the tough times but he was quick to also praise NSW Coach Laurie Daley, saying that his state Coach was on hand to give him some valuable advice when he was in hot water.

“He told me to pull my head in,” Ferguson said

“He speaks to me fairly often and it’s great that he showed faith in me to give me a run in his team.”

New South Wales Rugby League