Troubled rugby league player Blake Ferguson has been cleared to train with the Sydney Roosters, moving him a step closer to an NRL return.

Ferguson has been granted permission by the NRL to train with the 2013 premiers but has not had a contract registered, News Corp reported on Friday.

The Roosters said they sought the green light from the NRL out of professional courtesy and he began training with the squad this week.

“There has been no other movement, in terms of contract registration. They have just allowed him to commence training,” Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan said.

Ferguson was sacked by the Canberra Raiders last year after he was found guilty of indecently assaulting a woman in a Cronulla nightclub.

The Roosters attempted to register a contract for the wayward former NSW State of Origin back earlier this year however the bid was rejected by the NRL.

It is expected he will officially sign with the Roosters and be cleared for a playing return in the near future.