UPDATE: THE NRL on Tuesday reinstated the registration of Canberra Raiders centre Blake Ferguson following his suspension last month for repeated alcohol-related issues.

The league said Ferguson had participated in an intensive four-week program of rehabilitation since being stood down on June 17, including counselling.



The NRL's welfare and education unit has over the past few days reviewed Ferguson’s adherence to the program and agreed on an ongoing support plan with the Raiders that he needs to comply with in order to maintain his registration.

“Issues like these are not solved overnight but Blake and the club have committed to a number of steps going forward and we will continue to work with them,” NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle said.



The NRL added that Tuesday's decision was unrelated to Ferguson's court proceedings relating to an indecent assault charge and that would be assessed once the proceedings are over. Ferguson has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Raiders coach Dave Furner knows the Raiders season could ride on Ferguson's behaviour but wants to give him another chance and he is set to return Saturday night against St George Illawarra.

Furner on Monday opened up to The Daily Telegraph about a player he says "is a good kid" who wants to be a better man.

"He has been compared to Greg Inglis and he has a way to go yet but he has talent and the build and he is special," Furner said.

"He can do anything in the game but if he doesn't work on himself as a person he won't give himself a chance.

"But I wouldn't go this far if I didn't think he was worth it. I like him and the players do as well.

"He needs some guidance and he has to change his life and he knows that."

Furner said Ferguson returned to Canberra on Sunday after spending time in Sydney living with his uncle Anthony Mundine and undergoing counselling and alcohol management programs that were part of his rehabilitation organised through the NRL.

Ferguson hasn't played since he was axed from the NSW team after a booze-fuelled night with former Raiders teammate Josh Dugan, the day before the Blues were due in camp for Origin II.

Ferguson is due back in court on September 3, days before the final round of the regular season.

He wasn't expected in the Raiders team Tuesday but Furner had already said if the NRL grants him permission he would be running out against the Dragons.

Furner thanked Mundine for the help he gave Ferguson while he was in Sydney but he said he still had to win back his teammates' respect.

"Choc might over-step the mark with the media but one thing he does do is care about his relatives and he cares about Blake," Furner said.

"Blake just has to put his head down and work hard now. He needs to make a commitment to the team.

"I spoke to Blake (Monday) and he wants to get back on the field but most of all he wants to play for his teammates.

"There are a couple of players who are unhappy he has put himself in this position but certainly the players want to play with him.

"None of the players have ever come to me and said they want him sacked.

"He is 22 years old and he just has to keep working on himself. Like I said, it's up to him. He has this chance to change his life and he knows that."

Furner didn't want to respond to bizarre comments Dugan made on the weekend after he claimed to be unfairly treated by the Raiders and his former coach.

Dugan was sacked after he posted photos on social media of him and Ferguson drinking Bacardi Breezers on a rooftop after they skipped a team recovery session.

"We were just kicking back and catching a bit of sun," Dugan said. "It was just two mates kicking back and having a drink. Both me and Blake were a bit drunk, so we felt if we went to recovery it would have been worse off than missing a half-hour swim session."

Furner said: "I don't think I need to respond to that."