Former NRL star Blake Ferguson unwelcome at Kurri Kurri Bulldogs after off-field allegations

Former Test star Blake Ferguson has had his contract with Newcastle club Kurri Kurri ripped up after one game following multiple alleged off-field indiscretions.

Former Test star Blake Ferguson has had his contract with Newcastle club Kurri Kurri terminated by mutual agreement after just one game.

Ferguson split with the Bulldogs this week amid multiple off-field allegations with well-placed sources indicating the former NSW star was unwelcome at the club.

This masthead reached out to Ferguson via text but he did not respond.

Newcastle rugby league general manager Adam Devcich, a former NRL referee, issued a statement about Ferguson.

“Blake was signed by Kurri but the club has released him from his obligations,” said Devcich, who controlled 131 NRL games between 2009 and 2016, including one finals match.

“His contract has been terminated by mutual agreement. That is all that we or the club will say. Neither party will make any further comment.”

Teammates of Ferguson are understood to be upset with the ex-Test winger.

Ferguson played in Kurri’s first game of the season a fortnight ago but wasn’t there for a round 2 loss to Maitland.

Blake Ferguson and the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs have parted ways. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

In October last year, Kurri announced Ferguson’s recruitment on Facebook with an accompanying photo in a Bulldogs jumper.

“What a huge signing for our club,” the club posted. “We are proud to announce that Blake Ferguson has signed with the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs for the 2024 season.

“Blake is a former NRL player, Blues’ State of Origin and Australian player and we are stoked to have him on board. Welcome to the Bulldogs, Blake!”

Ferguson’s signing was met with optimism with one fan posting: “Great signing” and another simply writing: “Wow.”

And another supporter posted: “This is massive for Kurri. Go Bulldogs!”

The Newcastle competition uses a points system – with each player given a score – to ensure clubs don’t buy a premiership.

Blake Ferguson was announced as a marquee signing in 2024. Picture: Facebook

Kurri was over their allotted points and were required to cut a player.

Ferguson leaving has also allowed Kurri to have a legal amount of points for the rest of this season.

With a young side, the Bulldogs ran last in 2023 with coach Rip Taylor attracting some new talent to the club, including Ferguson.

Ferguson, 34, has been playing bush footy since leaving English club Leigh Centurions in 2022.

He had a checkered career which included a series of off-field issues coupled with some brilliant football from a powerful player.

Ferguson played seven Tests for Australia, nine State of Origin games for NSW and played 249 NRL games with Cronulla, Parramatta, Canberra and Sydney Roosters, scoring 126 tries.

Originally published as Former NRL star Blake Ferguson unwelcome at Kurri Kurri Bulldogs after off-field allegations