‘Don’t judge me’ on drug shame, ex-Bulldog Ofahiki Ogden pleads amid fight for NRL career

One grave mistake has left former Canterbury Bulldogs player Ofahiki Ogden fearing how he will provide for his family as he pleads for an NRL lifeline.

WEEKEND TELEGRAPH SPECIAL. NOVEMBER 13, 2021 The NRL's Ofahiki Ogden was recently stood down over a drugs charge which was thrown out of court this week. He is training hard on his own to resurrect his NRL career. Picture: David Swift

Ofahiki Ogden is fighting for his NRL career after having his drug possession charges dismissed.

The ex-Bulldog has expressed his remorse following the drug charge as he pleads with clubs to throw him a first grade lifeline.

“This is not how I want to be judged,” Ogden said. “Whatever club gives me an opportunity, I will take it with both hands.

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Ofahiki Ogden is training hard on his own to resurrect his NRL career.

“This has been a wake up call. I’ve got a young family, I have to make sure I do what I can for them. This has made me realise how lucky I am.”

Ogden was in court last Tuesday after police found two sachets of white powder on his possession last month. The 25-year-old said he was dealing with career uncertainty and injury which clouded his judgment.

“It all adds up to not knowing what I was going to do,” Ogden said.

“Being injured at the same time, it took its toll on my thought process.

“I’ve already started doing some work with younger players, speaking to them about the situation I found myself in and helping to make sure they don’t go through the same.”

The court has ordered ongoing treatment for his mental health after his charges were dismissed.

Ogden is looking for a second chance.

Ogden has brushed off advances from Super League clubs with the aim of adding to his 45 game tally.

“I’ve been training and keeping my mind busy,” Ogden said.

“I am trying not to think about it too much. The work I’m putting in will pay off when a contract does come.

“I’ve been up at 5am and training six days a week with (renowned trainer) Justin Lang. I’ve had to keep my mind away from all the stuff that’s happened.

“Everyone was worried about what was going to happen. Leading up to the court case I was really nervous not knowing what was going to happen. I’m ready to focus on the future.”

Originally published as ‘Don’t judge me’ on drug shame, ex-Bulldog Ofahiki Ogden pleads amid fight for NRL career