Former NRL star Blake Ferguson has taken up an offer to resurrect his rugby league career by signing with the Leigh Centurions in the Championship.
The second tier English club announced the former Origin winger will join the team for the remainder of the 2022 Championship season.
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It’s been a tumultuous 12 months for Ferguson who was let go by the Eels after the 2021 season and then had his rugby deal with the NEC Green Rockets in the Japan Top League torn up after he was arrested on allegations of cocaine possession.
Ferguson,32, will join Leigh head coach Adrian Lam, who previously worked with him during his time with the Kangaroos.
“Blake is considered one of the best outside back players in Australia in his prime and it’s massive news for our club. “It’s a big one,” Lam said.
“I’ve coached him at the Kangaroos and he’s not a player you won’t notice.
“He’s a great finisher and knows his way to the line. It’s our job now to give him the ball. He’s an explosive player that we need adding to our team and in every game, he gives 100 per cent. He’s the ultimate competitor, absolutely hates losing and he leaves nothing in the tank.
“Blake has scored tries at the top echelon of the game on a consistent basis over many years. He represented the Kangaroos as a winger, but he could play centre or fullback. It will take a bit of time for him to adjust to our team, but the players will love having him around and he will soon settle into our environment.
“Blake is a vibrant, positive character and brings life and fun to the group and at the bottom of that he’s a good person. He will be a popular member of our squad.”
Ferguson will add experience and attacking flair and at 32, is still young enough to have an impact.
The former Eels, Roosters, Sharks and Raiders star played nine Origins for NSW and seven Tests for the Kangaroos, and scored 126 tries in 249 NRL games.
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