Blake Ferguson would have to undergo a risk assessment by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People if his new job as a community and development officer was to include working with junior footy teams.

The Sydney Roosters on Thursday moved to clarify Ferguson’s position with the premiers in the face of a backlash about their employment of the former NSW State of Origin winger.

Sydney Roosters have signed former NSW and Canberra three-quarter Blake Ferguson for next season. Credit:Brendan Esposito

The 24-year-old, who remains deregistered by the NRL after being found guilty of indecently assaulting a woman at a Cronulla nightclub last year, is in his new role but not coaching or mentoring under-age players, the club says.

‘‘With regards to junior clubs, it’s the open-age players in the junior club system such as Bondi United A-grade team for example, that he’ll be doing coaching sessions with,’’ Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan said. ‘‘He will also be working with disadvantaged groups such as the NSW Wheelchair Rugby League and with the NRL and their welfare education department. He will do indigenous mentoring and those programs will be overseen by Dean Widders at the NRL.’’