Ferguson stars on debut for Cronulla
Ferguson stars on debut for
CronullaWellington Times, AustraliaHungry for success, Wellington’s Blake Ferguson has made his debut with the
Cronulla Sharks in the opening match of the 2009
NRL competition. Eighteen-year-old Ferguson was proud to be playing at such an elite level, after starting out as a
...
Source: http://wellington.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/ferguson-stars-on-debut-for-cronulla/1466478.aspx
Ferguson stars on debut for Cronulla
NATALIE HOLMES
23/03/2009 10:15:00 AM
Wellington’s Blake Ferguson made his debut with the Sharks against Penrith last weekend, with an 18-10 win for the team. Photo courtesy Cronulla Sharks.
Hungry for success, Wellington’s Blake Ferguson has made his debut with the Cronulla Sharks in the opening match of the 2009 NRL competition.
Eighteen-year-old Ferguson was proud to be playing at such an elite level, after starting out as a six-year-old in Sydney.
“I played for the Elwood Saints,” he said.
“I knew I wanted to make it in the game but I never thought it would be this big.”
But according to Cowboys spokesperson Graham Blackhall, it comes as no surprise that the 192cm boy from Wellington has made it into the big league, describing him as the ‘next big footy star’.
“He’s a local young football talent who has risen to the task of making his NRL debut with the Cronulla Sharks,” Blackhall said.
“This young man has endeavoured to make his dream come true like a lot of local young kids.”
Blackhall mentioned that Ferguson had worn the maroon and white for Wellington as a junior player.
“He played a few years with the Wellington Cowboys with the juniors and displayed a ravishingly gifted ability in playing tough footy above his weight and age.”
No-one was more proud of the young gun than his grandparents, Aboriginal elders Joan and Rex Sutherland, who made the trek to Sydney to watch him play.
Their trip may be the first of many, according to Sharks media manager Rob Willis, who said Ferguson had an excellent pre-season, performance-wise.
Another person impressed by Ferguson is Sharks coach Ricky Stuart, who gave him a glowing report in a recent interview.
But for Ferguson himself, he just wants to focus on the game and learn as much as he possibly can.
“The older guys are mad good at playing,” he said.
“I’ve already learned heaps of stuff.”
And it seems that he’s already developed a sense of club loyalty.
“I plan to stay with the Sharks,” he said.
Ferguson also had some advice to fellow young players from country areas.
“Don’t give up.
“Try to make your dreams come true, that’s what I did.”
