Blake Ferguson returns to former club in Australia

Following his release from Leigh Leopards, ex-NRL winger and Australia international Blake Ferguson has returned to a former club Down Under.

The 32-year-old has joined Thirlmere-Tahmoor Roosters, a country club based in New South Wales. They currently play in the Group 6 Rugby League competition in Australia. 

Ferguson, who won promotion with Leigh last season, previously played for the side before his move to England and following his stint in Japan.

Joining him at the club is former Canberra Raiders outside-back Curtis Scott, who is returning to the side for the 2023 season. Scott, 25, made his NRL debut at Melbourne Storm, and also represented the Prime Minister’s XIII before having his contract terminated at the Raiders in August 2021.

Blake Ferguson Leigh exit

Ferguson, who made 249 appearances in the NRL, had signed a new contract with Leigh until the end of 2024. However, the winger was released on compassionate grounds earlier last December.

He scored an impressive 21 tries in 17 games in the Championship, helping Leigh secure promotion back to Super League for 2023.

The club never officially announced the release, but head coach Adrian Lam spoke to Leigh Journal about the major loss. The 52-year-old explained: “There has been a health issue in the family and Blake feels he wants to be there.

“So, we have released him on compassionate grounds. He really wanted to be there with his family.

“It was important for him and also to his indigenous culture. As a club we supported him in that.

“There is no ‘is he coming back, or is he not?’ He has just been granted permission to get back for his immediate family.

“Our hearts are with him and we support him. We understand where Blake is coming from. He was desperate to get home.”

READ NEXT: Leigh Leopards 2023 squad numbers: Zak Hardaker to wear No. 1 shirt