A mature, mellowed Blake Ferguson is making the most of his time back in Rugby League’s limelight – and he can’t wait to put his best foot forward for the VB Blues in the 2017 Holden State of Origin series.
After a checkered past that threatened to see Ferguson labelled as a “should have been”, the electrifying outside back has turned his life around and is determined to make every post a winner as he reaches what he calls the “back end” of his career.
“[Being selected] is great, it’s always good to play for your state – I’m trying to do NSW proud,” Ferguson tells NSWRL.com.au.
“I’ve enjoyed playing for NSW. Last year was a little bit different because they won the first two games and we wanted to win the last game at home. This year the first game is at Suncorp and we’re ready to give it a good go, win the first one and go from there – I think we’ve got the team to do it.
“I think a lot’s gone on in the five or 10 years since I’ve been in the top grade. I’m just taking everything in my stride and not taking anything for granted.
“I’m coming into the back end of my career and every rep jersey I get I’m doing my best.”
Ferguson, capable of playing at fullback, on the wings or at centre, insists he doesn’t have a preferred position – he just wants to be on the field, showing those who have made mistakes previously that life can and will improve.
“I like playing wherever the team needs me to play, just going out and doing the job. It doesn’t bother me where I play exactly, I just like to satisfy my team-mates and that’s all I care about at the end of the day,” Ferguson says.
“[I just want to be remembered] as a guy who gave it his best shot. Obviously a guy who had a bit of trouble early on but a guy who turned it around and hopefully I can be a role model for the younger generation, for them to think that it things do go wrong they can drag themselves off the canvas and make a go of it.”
