NRL v RLPA battle: Blake Ferguson hits out over lack of medical treatment in retirement

Former NRL star Blake Ferguson has hit out at the game as he battles injuries in retirement – amid a bitter battle to have medical costs covered.

Blake Ferguson put his body on the line for four NRL teams in a decorated career. Picture: Getty

Former NRL star Blake Ferguson has vented his anger at the game, claiming he has been denied help to cover medical costs associated with the repair of his nose which he has broken eight times.

The ex-Test and NSW State of Origin winger took to social media on Wednesday night to detail his angst at allegedly being ineligible for financial assistance.

Ferguson claims that he has been rejected by the game because he has not played in the NRL since 2021 with Parramatta.

Blake Ferguson makes his plea on Instagram.

Blake Ferguson is seeking insurance cover to fix his nose.

However, Ferguson’s post resulted in a landslide of support from some of the game’s biggest names including Andrew Fifita, Josh Addo-Carr and Latrell Mitchell, who decried the situation by replying: “bums in (sic) seats for a game that forgets their biggest assets.’’

Another supporter alleged Ferguson was being “kicked to the kerb.”

Ferguson, who helped English club Leigh achieve promotion into the UK Super League last year with 21 tries in 17-games took to Instagram, writing with a supporting photo of his badly damaged nose: “After 15 years in the nrl system, playing 249 games, 4 NRL teams winning a grand final, 7 games for the kangaroos, 9 games for nsw blues, winning the Harry Sunderland medal (players play for Kangaroos) and breaking my nose over 8 times you’d think they would fix it as I dedicated my life and body to the game.

Blake Ferguson put his body on the line for four NRL teams in a decorated career. Picture: Getty

“But no I have been told because I went to Japan and England and it has been over 12 months (since his last NRL games) that I’m not eligible for the medical treatment to fix it.’’

In a separate post, Ferguson wrote: “Surely I can be compensated for ruining my face. This wouldn’t have happened if I just played for ya local footy team.’’

Mitchell replied to the post by stating: “Regardless of how long you’re out of the game you should be compensated for your dedication.’’

Fifita added: “Someone’s gotta help Fergy Ferg.’’

Ex-Storm winger Sandor Earl wrote: “Rally around our man Fergy!!”

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Originally published as NRL v RLPA battle: Blake Ferguson hits out over lack of medical treatment in retirement