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Canberra Raiders ... green light Blake Ferguson's NRL return. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited
DAVE Furner knows the Raiders season could ride on Blake Ferguson's behaviour but the coach says he wants to give the troubled centre another chance - and, importantly, so do his teammates.
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With the NRL on Tuesday expected to give Ferguson the green light to make his return from suspension this Saturday night against St George Illawarra, Furner on Monday opened up to The Daily Telegraph about a player he says "is a good kid" who wants to be a better man.
"He has been compared to Greg Inglis and he has a way to go yet but he has talent and the build and he is special," Furner said.
"He can do anything in the game but if he doesn't work on himself as a person he won't give himself a chance.
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"But I wouldn't go this far if I didn't think he was worth it. I like him and the players do as well.
"He needs some guidance and he has to change his life and he knows that."
Furner said Ferguson returned to Canberra on Sunday after spending time in Sydney living with his uncle Anthony Mundine and undergoing counselling and alcohol management programs that were part of his rehabilitation organised through the NRL.
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Ferguson hasn't played since he was axed from the NSW team after a booze-fuelled night with former Raiders teammate Josh Dugan, the day before the Blues were due in camp for Origin II.
Ferguson was charged with indecent assault and has since pleaded not guilty to the charge. The matter is due back in court on September 3, days before the final round of the regular season.
Ferguson isn't expected to be named in the team Tuesday but Furner said if the NRL grants him permission he would be running out against the Dragons.
Furner thanked Mundine for the help he gave Ferguson while he was in Sydney but he said he still had to win back his teammates' respect.
"Choc might over-step the mark with the media but one thing he does do is care about his relatives and he cares about Blake," Furner said.
"Blake just has to put his head down and work hard now. He needs to make a commitment to the team.
"I spoke to Blake today and he wants to get back on the field but most of all he wants to play for his teammates.
"There are a couple of players who are unhappy he has put himself in this position but certainly the players want to play with him.
"None of the players have ever come to me and said they want him sacked.
"He is 22 years old and he just has to keep working on himself. Like I said, it's up to him. He has this chance to change his life and he knows that."
Furner didn't want to respond to some bizarre comments Dugan made on the weekend after he claimed to be unfairly treated by the Raiders and his former coach.
Dugan was sacked after he posted photos on social media of him and Ferguson drinking Bacardi Breezers on a rooftop after they skipped a team recovery session.
"We were just kicking back and catching a bit of sun," Dugan said. "It was just two mates kicking back and having a drink. Both me and Blake were a bit drunk, so we felt if we went to recovery it would have been worse off than missing a half-hour swim session."
Furner said: "I don't think I need to respond to that."
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