Wayward NRL star Blake Ferguson has taken a mental break from rugby league and hasn’t been talking to any prospective clubs.
Ferguson is living with cousin and mentor Anthony Mundine at his Sydney home and has been training with the boxer in the hope he’ll make his fighting debut in two weeks time.
However, even that’s an unknown at this point.
Mundine and his October 23 opponent “Sugar” Shane Mosley fronted a press conference on Wednesday, with Ferguson in attendance as an unconfirmed but likely feature on the undercard.
Ferguson declined interview requests but did lift his self-imposed media ban to at least say he was enjoying time away from rugby league.
The 23-year-old was sacked by Canberra in September for repeatedly failing to show up for club commitments and has since been linked to the Sydney Roosters and Canterbury.
However, it’s likely Ferguson would have to serve some kind of NRL-imposed suspension before he starts with a new club.
Mundine said there’s nothing in the works at the moment, but predicted that when ready, Ferguson would have plenty of choices for a new home.
“He hasn’t spoken to any clubs or anything like that. He just wants to get his head right, his body right, his mind right spiritually and come back bigger and better next year,” he said.
“For Blakey I just want him to stay focused, stay dedicated, stay disciplined.
“The best will come. He’s got enough talent to choose his own club.”
Mundine said he was “hopeful” Ferguson would fight on the undercard for his bout at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.
The 38-year-old who is looking to keep his career alive against US champion Mosley, said Ferguson had benefited from his boxing training and is showing promise as a fighter.
“I’m hopeful (he’ll fight). He’s been training with us. He’s been dedicated and disciplined, he’s been staying with me and I’ve got him under my wing,” Mundine said.
“He’s going to be good, he throws them alright.
“We’re trying to convince him but no pressure.”