Paul Kent: Lack of respect for people who have publicly backed him is the biggest indictment against Blake Ferguson

LAURIE Daley had a lot to weigh up when he considered Blake Ferguson. Now the NRL has done the same. When will Ferguson do some introspection of his own?

LAURIE Daley had a lot to weigh up when he considered Blake Ferguson. Now the NRL has done the same. What we all want to know is when Ferguson, who may well now be sacked by Canberra, will do some introspection of his own.

The game stood firm on its new line in the sand last night when NRL boss Dave Smith, after strong stands against on-field violence (Paul Gallen) and off-field misbehaviour (James Tamou), stood Ferguson down indefinitely following a series of alcohol-related incidents.

The Raiders sacked Josh Dugan in March after he missed training, posting a photo of himself instead drinking alcohol on his rooftop. Ferguson was there behind him.

The Raiders told Ferguson he was on his last chance.

FERGUSON CHARGED WITH INDECENT ASSAULT

They fined him $10,000, suspended him a game and ordered him to undergo alcohol counselling. The following Saturday night, when most people would have been home, embarrassed at their behaviour, Ferguson was at Northbar in Canberra. With his shirt off. Dancing on a table.

Soon after, though, Ferguson went on a booze ban and it allowed his talent to flourish to such an extent he was picked for his Origin debut three months later.

Then Sunday night he reunited with Dugan, got back on the drink and now finds himself with a court date and out of Origin.

THEY DON'T DESERVE TO WEAR THE JERSEY

Daley took a chance with Ferguson. He gambled he wouldn't disrespect him by playing up, and, to his disappointment, saw it took just two games for Ferguson to let him down.

His teammates were relying on him against Queensland next week. They too have been let down.

DALEY TRIES TO KEEP BLUES FOCUSED

It seems to me the lack of respect for people that have publicly backed him is the biggest indictment against Ferguson.

When does he understand the game did not begin with his debut in 2009?