Blake Ferguson growing into a father figure as he aims to change the cycle
BLAKE Ferguson grew up without an old man. Never knew him. So five months into his own life as a father ... how is this enigmatic Rooster changing the cycle?
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BLAKE Ferguson grew up without an old man.
Never knew him.
So five months into his own life as a father ... well, how is this enigmatic Rooster changing the cycle?
“Ah, I’m learning on the run,’’ Ferguson concedes with a grin.
“Certainly becoming a father, it’s changed the way I approach things.
“I’m not here to arse around anymore. I’ve been given a talent and I’m trying to make something of that. Trying to make amends for the past.”
Sitting high up in the Captains Lounge at Allianz Stadium, dressed casually in shorts and a Roosters polo, Ferguson is talking change.
Changing reputations.
Changing life cycles.
Changing the future for every child and grandchild who bares his name.
But as for it being achieved, who can say? What with fish and chips so often wrapped in the false promises of young men. But what we can tell you is how, shortly after this interview, Ferguson will rush home to be with baby son Harlo, who is teething.
Know too that only last week, this 26-year-old centre attended a NSW Origin dinner, after an invite from coach Laurie Daley.
Which matters. For while Ferguson no longer speaks with his birth mother, and has only limited contact with dad, this Blues hopeful still knows the value of family.
“Obviously I’m trying to change a cycle,’’ says the footballer whose backstory is well known.
“But I’ve already got one brother with two kids. And the other has a baby on the way. My sister, she’s almost 18 too. So we’re all growing up with a good outlook on life.
“My brothers are doing good things with their kids. I’m doing the same with mine.
“I’m lucky too having such a great partner in Bianca. For me the past is the past and the future is the future.”
And not for the first time, that could be anything.
For it has now been three years since this indigenous livewire effectively boozed himself out of a NSW jersey.
Which is probably just enough time to earn back their faith, right?
“Oh, everyone lost trust in me,’’ Ferguson concedes.
“But it’s been a long time now and I don’t think I’ve let anyone down since.
“Before coming back to the NRL, I sat down and set my mind on what I wanted to achieve. It wasn’t even about footy, but working on myself.
“And what’s happening now, I’m excited, man. I didn’t think I’d get an opportunity to return. So to not only be back, but to be around that Origin culture again, that’s the pleasing thing for me.”
Better, he is willing to work for it.
Adamant that if he is to regain that Blues jersey, it must be via the NSW Country side.
“I don’t want to get picked on my name,’’ Ferguson insists.
“I need to work my way into that side through form. And getting an opportunity with Country, it’s another step towards what I’m building for.
“Everything I do know, it’s for my partner and son.
“I want to set my boy up for life.”
Originally published as Blake Ferguson growing into a father figure as he aims to change the cycle
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