Troubled Canberra centre Blake Ferguson has repaid his club’s faith in him by swearing off alcohol for six weeks and starring in the 30-17 win over St George Illawarra.

Ferguson only narrowly avoided the same fate as sacked fullback Josh Dugan two weeks ago after skipping a team rehab session and then posting a photograph of themselves drinking alcohol on a rooftop online.

However the Indigenous All-Stars representative put on a stellar performance at Canberra Stadium on Sunday – including a pivotal try assist minutes before halftime – to validate his late inclusion in the side by the player’s leadership group.

“The boys showed faith in me during the week,” the 23-year-old said.

“I had a meeting with the senior leadership group and told them my plans.

“Actions are going to speak louder than words now.”

Ferguson told reporters he had started a six week plan where he wouldn’t drink alcohol.

“The boys have said these next six weeks will be a real turning point for me,” he said.

He also dismissed speculation he was looking to quit Canberra.

“As I said on Twitter, I am very happy at the Raiders and there’s nothing more I want to do than stay here and rip in,” he said.

Captain David Shillington said the leadership group’s decision to allow Ferguson to play had been validated.

“I thought he was great and followed through with what he said,” Shillington said.

On the flipside, the Raiders’ decision to sack Dugan was also validated by a man-of-the-match two try effort by fullback Reece Robinson.

“He’s outstanding for us,” Shillington said.

“And all his hard work at training pays off on the field. No one trains harder than him.

“When he played fullback last year for us filling in for (Dugan), I think he played six or eight games and was close to man-of-the-match every game.”