Canberra Raiders winger Blake Ferguson is a bolter for a NSW State of Origin spot. Source: Getty Images
CONTROVERSIAL Raider Blake Ferguson has gone from park football to Origin wildcard in the space of two months, with the Canberra match-winner now firmly on the Blues' radar.
A back injury has ruled Manly fullback Brett Stewart out of the Origin opener at ANZ Stadium and St George Illawarra winger Brett Morris is in serious doubt after knee surgery.
Manly yesterday revealed Stewart will be sidelined for five weeks with a chipped bone in his back, paving the way for Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne to claim the Blues' No. 1 jersey for the Origin opener on June 5.
Both wing spots could now be vacant after Morris had arthroscopic surgery yesterday to remove torn cartilage.
"We expect his rehabilitation time frame to be between two to four weeks dependent on how he recovers from surgery," Dragons high performance director Andrew Gray said yesterday.
South Sydney winger Nathan Merritt is another contender for an Origin place. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph
Ferguson has emerged as a challenger to Souths' Nathan Merritt and Newcastle's Akuila Uate for the wing roles.
Manly's Jorge Taufua is also in the mix.
Ferguson has been in brilliant form for the Raiders since being sent back to play for Mount Pritchard in the NSW Cup following the pineapple breezer scandal that resulted in Josh Dugan being sacked from the club.
He also walked out of an emerging Blues camp before the start of the season without telling coach Laurie Daley.
However, his transformation has been so complete that Canberra coach David Furner yesterday said Ferguson's would be a perfect fit for State of Origin.
Newcastle Knights speedster Akuila Uate is also in the frame. Picture: Liam Driver Source: The Daily Telegraph
"He is aggressive with the ball and without the ball," Furner said. "The harder the game, the better Blake goes. He has great versatility and can play wing, centre and fullback. He can also kick goals."
Daley, of course, would have to be comfortable Ferguson would fit into the team environment. The pair had a clear-the-air chat in February after Ferguson left the camp for emerging Blues players.
"He's highly thought of, but you've got to make sure you're the complete package if you want to have success. The world's his oyster if he wants it to be, he's such a mighty talent," Daley said at the time.
Ferguson has been dominant playing at right centre and will get a further chance to press his claims on Sunday against Newcastle.
Dragons winger Brett Morris is set to miss State of Origin I after having surgery on an injured knee. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
Daley was reluctant to discuss Origin positions yesterday, but he did express his disappointment at losing Stewart for game one.
"It's a blow, no doubt," Daley said. "I feel disappointed for Brett, I know how much he was looking forward to playing in the opening game."He played all three matches last year and was very dangerous. He scored a couple of tries. Brett is a popular member of the side so I know his teammates will be disappointed.
"He just seems to have picked up an injury at the wrong time. We will continue to push forward."
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