Anthony Mundine says he wants Blake Ferguson to clear his name in court before he attempts to revive his NRL career.
Mundine says no formal discussions have taken place with NRL clubs concerning the future of his cousin, but he has no doubt the fallen star will easily find a home when the time is right.
Ferguson received a favourable sentencing decision in court on Monday, but Mundine says he will continue to hold the 23-year-old back from signing a contract until an indecent assault conviction is appealed and, ideally, overturned.
If Ferguson was able to clear his name in court it would increase the chances of the NRL registering any contract put to him.
Mundine says he can vouch for Ferguson being a changed man after he fell off the rails last year, and joined Ferguson’s lawyer Adam Houda in calling on the NRL to do more to help players experiencing tough times.
The NRL strongly refuted accusations from Houda that they hadn’t supported Ferguson, but said they won’t comment on his chances of playing first grade football again until they have a contract in front of them to examine.
Shortly after Ferguson was given a two-year good behaviour bond, speculation on social media immediately linked him to South Sydney, but Mundine said that talk was premature.
“But that’s the one thing I’m not worried about is clubs wanting Blake,” Mundine told AAP.
“Everyone knows that me and Rusty (Souths owner Russell Crowe) have a relationship and that’s probably what’s brought about that speculation.
“The main thing is clearing Blake’s name and that’s all we want to do is get his head right and clear his name.
“He’s doing training, keeping his body in shape just in case he has to lace them up again soon but we haven’t formally spoken to anybody.
“I’m doing this (mentoring) for the love and support of Blake and I want him not just at a club but a club that’s got a great environment for him to be in.
“We’ll take our time and first things first we just want to try and clear his name.”
Mundine said Ferguson was “like a caged lion”, desperate to get back on the football field.
Having mentored him for the past few months, Mundine said Ferguson was in a good place.
“I know he’s raring to play and he can’t wait to get out on the field, but I’m just trying to hold him back,” said Mundine.
“He’s keeping real well.
“He’s definitely a changed man. It’s been tough for him mentally but to see the way he’s grown and learnt from his mistakes has been great.”
Ferguson’s lawyer Adam Houda accused the NRL of prejudging his client and accused the game of throwing “18-year-old kids into a culture that is embedded in alcohol, they are quite happy to throw them into the spotlight of celebrity life where every part of their movements are scrutinised, but when they can’t handle that pressure they want to crush them.”
NRL integrity officer Jim Doyle said Ferguson was offered extensive support to assist with his rehabilitation.
“It is disappointing to hear the comments today given the effort the NRL’s Education and Welfare team has invested to help Blake address the issues he has faced,” said Doyle.
“Our programs have proved successful for the overwhelming majority of players.”