The Parramatta Eels have told Blake Ferguson he will not be at the club beyond the end of next season, opting against extending the contract of the former NSW winger.
The Herald can reveal the Eels informed Ferguson's management a fortnight ago that there won't be a spot for him at the club after the 2021 season. Ferguson, who joined the club from the Sydney Roosters in 2019 on a three-year $1.5 million deal, still has another year to run on his contract.
The Eels aren't actively forcing Ferguson out of the club, but nor would they stand in his way should he land an extended deal at a rival club.
The Eels have had internal discussions about Penrith winger Josh Mansour, who is also aware of Parramatta's interest, however the club is not in a position to take the next step unless Ferguson was willing to move on.
Both Mansour and Ferguson are managed by Sam Ayoub, who recently claimed there had been no discussions around Ferguson's future at the club. The manager appears to have left out some of the details surrounding Ferguson's situation in a recent article in The Daily Telegraph.
"That has never been a discussion. I am his manager, no one has pushed it to me," Ayoub told the Telegraph about the possibility of Ferguson moving on earlier in the week.
As for Parramatta having interest in Josh Mansour, that has never been a discussion. I met with them a week and a half ago about a raft of issues at Parramatta. Not once was there a discussion around pushing Blake.
"In actual fact, can I tell you what was said to me: ‘We are looking forward to Blake (playing in 2021). We know it is a year he is coming off contract. He will want to have a good year and we are looking forward to that’. That is exactly what was said to me."
Ferguson had a sensational first season at the Eels but struggled to find the try line in 2020, and as a result lost his spot in the NSW State of Origin team.
Ferguson still has plenty to offer, however the Eels have given him plenty of notice to find another club for 2022. If Ferguson wants to move on immediately, the Eels won't stand in his way and could trigger a flurry of movement before the Christmas break.
Replies
The odds of Fergo lining up in the B&G in 2021 just lengthened considerably.
Who's going to take him off our hands though? Knowing full well he's busted & has got a crooked knee.
Well we just picked up Cartwright who by his own admission has knees that blow up after every game including one knee that has been described as completely gone.
He would've been
No doubt. Perhaps they believe that at 130k or whatever they are paying him he's worth the effort ?
The facts remain though that his knees are completely busted so unless we have a miracle cure that has eluded the Titans then I would say that there may not be much upside to his recruitment.
Apparently NRL value him on the cap at $350 k. Looks like we are sucking another c@#k.
his problem isn't physical its mental he has had a hard run hopefully he can push on and get back to his best
The recriutment at the Eels baffles description.
I just read that, couldn't believe my eyes lol
Ive seen numerous times this year mate with Fergo coming off the field limping after the game & at training sessions or in the sheds after the game he's got it heavily strapped or has ice on it. He's got a bung knee that gets needled up regularly.
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