But McIntyre said the board would not meet and had unanimously agreed to a rehabilitation plan to keep Ferguson at the club. Asked if the Raiders would stand by Ferguson, McIntyre said: "We certainly will ... That attitude has been reflected unanimously by the board." "We've got ourselves into a position which has got to be discussed with the NRL, the coach and the senior leadership group. "I sent my thoughts around to the board via email today and they've responded. "At this point of time I've got no comment other than to say I'm speechless. You cannot believe the amount of disappointment and it’s not just me, it's everybody involved in the Raiders.

"The key element that's got to come out of it in the end has got to be support for this young bloke." Ferguson was almost sacked by the Raiders after going on a drinking binge with then teammate Josh Dugan after the round one loss to Penrith. Dugan was axed, but there are elements of the Raiders administration that are unhappy Dugan was able to find a new home at the Dragons so easily and has been rewarded with a call up to the NSW Origin team. Dugan was drinking with Ferguson at the time of the alleged indecent assault, which occurred at a Cronulla bar. The key element that's got to come out of it in the end has got to be support for this young bloke.

While the Raiders are extremely disappointed and are set to impose a heavy penalty on Ferguson, they see little value in sacking a star player when the likelihood is he will be picked up by a rival club. Raider statement The Raiders released a statement on Tuesday morning saying they supported the actions of the NRL in regard to standing Blake Ferguson down from Origin after he was charged with indecent assault. "We recognise this process is going to involve discussions with the NRL and also the need for the club to continue to send a strong message in this area," Raiders CEO Don Furner said. "We have been in constant consultation with the NRL integrity unit and will continue to work with them to determine the best course of action for Blake, the Raiders and the NRL.

"There are steps which need to be taken before an outcome can be reached and we will aim to resolve the situation as soon as we can for our members, sponsors and supporters. Loading "The club is also conscious of its responsibilities to the player and will continue to provide the appropriate level of support and counselling for Blake." The Raiders have sacked five players for alcohol-related indiscretions since 2006, including axing fullback Josh Dugan - who was drinking with Ferguson when the alleged incident happened on Sunday night.