Why Parramatta winger Blake Ferguson is now driving far more than 13km for the NSW coach Brad Fittler

This time last year, Blake Ferguson wouldn’t drive 13km for Brad Fittler. Now, the Parramatta and New South Wales winger is part of his coach’s goodwill mission to an area ravaged by bushfire.

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A year ago, Blake Ferguson refused to drive 13km for the NSW Origin coach.

But now?

Well, you reckon this Parramatta superstar would follow Brad Fittler anywhere.

Exactly 12 months after boycotting a Blues training camp in Homebush, 28-year-old Ferguson has this week proved among the most popular members of Fittler’s goodwill tour of northern NSW communities ravaged by bushfire.

On Wednesday, the powerhouse winger proved the star attraction at Taree PCYC – although please, nobody tell his club coach, Brad Arthur, the $500,000 Eels flanker almost came unstuck on their ‘Ninja Course’.

Ferguson took a tumble on the Ninja Course. Picture by Nathan Edwards.

Elsewhere, Ferguson also challenged local kids in basketball, foot races and once lunch was over, was the first onto his feet to exclaim ‘OK, that was great … but who wants to play again?’

Undoubtedly, the transformation is a huge one, especially given this time last year the indigenous superstar was so obviously at odds with the Blues coach, it appeared his representative career was done.

Ferguson was a hit in Taree. Picture by Nathan Edwards.

In protest to being snubbed for 2018 Origin selection – and unwanted for the best part of 18 months — the new Eels recruit ignored an invitation from Fittler to attend his December gathering at NSW HQ, Homebush.

Instead, the winger opted to attend pre-season training with the Eels, just 20 minutes drive away. A decision which created one of rugby league’s most public rifts.

Yet when quizzed by The Saturday Telegraph on their obviously mended relationship this week, Fittler said: “Nobody on this NSW coaching staff will ever hold a grudge.

“There’s no ego here.

Ferguson fought his way back into the Origin side. Picture by Nathan Edwards.

“Plus, we understand that because every person has their own unique story, it really is important to consider every situation with its own evidence.

“As a coaching staff, all we ever want is blokes willing to work hard for each other – that’s it.

“And since February this year, Fergo has proved himself that sort of player, which is why he got his chance.”

Overlooked for Origin I in favour of Canberra youngster Nick Cotric, Ferguson eventually fought back into the side for the second two games, earning his first ever interstate series win.

Apart from creating his own Origin resurrection story, the Eels superstar could also provide the revival blueprint for rugby league’s most hyped free agent Latrell Mitchell, who was himself dumped after this year’s series opener.

Ferguson helped set up the winning try in the decider. Picture by Brett Costello.

“I can’t speak for Latrell,” Fittler said. “But people show what they believe in with their choices.

“And this NSW group is adamant about wanting people to fight hard for the jersey, for their position.

“If you don’t do that, we won’t choose you.

“But if you do then, yeah, you are definitely giving yourself every chance of being picked.

“So if Latrell gets fit and works hard for whatever club he is playing for, there is no doubt he will be in the running.

“Obviously he has a big month ahead in terms of making decisions.

“But really, I just want him to get fit and be great again.”