Ferguson promises ban will stand if Blues win

HE will become NSW’s ‘Coke hero’.

Blues winger Blake Ferguson will refuse to break his selfimposed booze ban and won’t allow himself the chance to enjoy a celebratory dressingroom beer even if NSW win tomorrow night’s State of Origin decider.

Ferguson has been off alcohol since late last year and hasn’t had a drop in 2019, which has coincided with his red-hot form for Parramatta and an Origin recall he thought might never come.

So while teammates will down a beer if they beat Queensland, Ferguson will remain committed to his cause.

“Not one beer, no. I’ve made a promise to myself and I stick to the promises that I make to myself,” Ferguson said.

“None at all and that won’t faze me.

“I don’t know when I will have my next beer and I don’t care.

“I know winning an Origin series would be a big thing for me but I won’t budge on this. I’ll make it.

“I am playing for NSW but after this game I have another job to do at Parramatta, so I have to stick solid to what I have promised myself.”

Asked what he would drink to celebrate, he said: “Coke. I will probably have 10 Cokes. Maybe Coca-Cola could sponsor me.”

Ferguson’s last beer was on December 28. A month later he had to release a photo of his foot injury to refute rumours it was used to cover up an alleged drug overdose during an offseason bender.

Abstaining from alcohol this season has been a success for the 29-year-old.

“Drinking made me realise something had to change,” Ferguson said. “Not drinking has become a habit.”

Ferguson has the added responsibility of NSW back-up goalkicker should five-eighth James Maloney be unable to take them.

The Eels winger was seen practising for 20 minutes after training yesterday.

“I think I’m back-up kicker – we haven’t got anyone else,” Ferguson said.

“I’m striking them all right. I kicked a fair bit at the Roosters when Latrell (Mitchell) was in Origin last year. I’m accustomed to kicking in front of crowds. That will be no different on Wednesday.

“Jimmy will be first-string goal-kicker but I don’t expect to be needed. I did a bit of practise to keep my eye in and the co-ordination. You never know.”

Ferguson has enjoyed a stellar season with Parramatta and was a key contributor in NSW’s 32-point win in Perth.

ALL SMILES: NSW wingers Blake Ferguson and Josh Addo-Carr enjoy themselves at Bondi Beach.