Monday Buzz: Alarming integrity issue surrounding Blake Ferguson, Parramatta’s big issue | Phil Rothfield’s highlights and lowlights
The Eels’ second-half fadeouts should be ringing alarm bells about their fitness regime, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
The NSWRL obviously has no integrity unit.
How else could you explain Blake Ferguson being sacked after just one game at Kurri Kurri for alleged inappropriate behaviour yet he is allowed to sign with Wellington the following week.
On Friday, we spoke to the NRL about the situation.
A spokesman said Ferguson did not come under its watch because he was not a registered NRL player.
So we tried the NSWRL. We were brushed off. It sent a statement that had been sent by the Newcastle Rugby League 24 hours earlier.
“The Kurri Kurri Bulldogs have released Blake Ferguson of his obligations to the club and his contract has been terminated by mutual agreement,’’ the statement said. “Neither party will be making any further comment.”
Blah, blah, blah, blah. So typical of the NSWRL.
I asked specifically about the possibility of Ferguson being deregistered. No response. Nothing.
Surely Ferguson’s new contract in Wellington cannot be registered until there has been a proper investigation into the circumstances of his departure from Kurri Kurri. The allegations need to be examined.
Finally, I also spoke to Ferguson.
“I have no comment to make,” he said. “I don’t play NRL anymore and I don’t want to be in the media.”
ORIGIN CRUNCH
There’s every chance Manly will lose five players during State of Origin and do it tough during the gruelling period.
Daly Cherry-Evans will be named Queensland captain while Tom and Jake Trbojevic are certainties for the Blues.
I would also be picking edge forward Haumole Olakau’atu, who has been the former second-rower in the competition alongside Viliame Kikau.
You can throw in prop Taniela Paseka to come off the bench for the Blues, who have lost three of the past four series.
HIGHLIGHT
A long overdue win for the Titans. Playing them in the earlier rounds was like getting an extra bye but Dessie has turned them around and they are now showing a stack of spirit.
LOWLIGHT
I’m starting to wonder if fitness – or lack of – is a problem for the Parramatta Eels. In their last four games against the Manly Sea Eagles, the Dolphins, the Cowboys and the Raiders they have lost the second halves by a combined total of 104 to 33.
SHOOSH
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have snared highly regarded English halfback Lewis Dodd for next year. They do, however, have a more immediate plan. We’re hearing there is a good chance Cody Walker will move to halfback with Jack Wighton at five-eighth. If it doesn’t happen next weekend against Penrith, it will the following week when Latrell Mitchell returns from suspension, most likely as a centre.
SPOTTED
We’ve been critical of Parramatta players in the past for not engaging with fans after games. On Friday night at Brookvale, Joe Ofahengaue noticed two youngsters in Parramatta jerseys, an 11-year-old and five-year-old, obviously disappointed with the result. Joe walked over to the fence and gave the boys his footy boots. Lovely stuff.
SPOTTED
Talk about a blowout scoreline … in the Mal Meninga Cup on Saturday the Burleigh Bears flogged the poor old Wide Bay Devils 130-0 with 23 tries and 19 conversions. This, however, was not a record scoreline. Stats guru David Middleton tells us in country Victoria in 1997, Altona beat Dandenong 212-0.
SPOTTED
Broncos stars Patrick Carrigan and Kotoni Staggs celebrating the win over the Wests Tigers in Shire territory – at the Vinyl Room in Gymea.
SHOOSH
Shane Richardson’s criticism of the previous Wests Tigers administration is interesting. At least they lobbied successfully to get $125 million in state government funding for high-performance facilities at Concord and Campbelltown. Poor old Richo can’t get two bob out of the government for Leichhardt Oval.
SHOOSH
Which former very highly paid NRL star was refused service at a Surry Hills Hotel on Anzac Day after a long session playing two-up and on the booze.
PM’s XIII highlights: NRL expansion boost, schoolboy shock, wild scenes
While Perth’s bid appears to be on shaky ground, Papua New Guinea’s quest to accommodate the NRL’s 18th franchise received a timely boost following three thrilling PM’s XIII fixtures in Port Moresby.
Parramatta’s public humiliation of Gutherson is outrageous
Clint Gutherson is a Parramatta club legend that is being treated like some D-grade wannabe. He isn’t just a player – he’s a leader and inspiration who deserves better than a club that’s slowly eroding his status, writes DEAN RITCHIE.