Canberra Raiders and NSW winger Blake Ferguson has been formally charged with indecent assault.

Ferguson was questioned by officers at Waverley police station for more than two hours on Monday about the alleged assault on a woman at the 2230 Restaurant and Bar in Cronulla late on Sunday evening.

The charge means Ferguson is out of the Blues' squad for the Origin II clash at Lang Park on June 26 after the NRL suspended his registration.

He has been granted bail and will front the Waverley Local Court on July 16, one day before State of Origin III in Sydney.

Ferguson had been drinking with Blues team-mate Josh Dugan, though no allegations have been made against the full-back.

Officers have seized security footage and spoken to a number of people as they investigate the allegations.

Ferguson's player registration has been suspended over "repeated behavioural issues involving the abuse of alcohol," the NRL said in a statement.

"Ferguson will not take part in the second State of Origin game and the NRL will reserve its decision on when he may be able to resume playing until it is in a position to assess any further relevant facts with the Canberra Raiders and the NRL Integrity Unit."

Smith says NRL suspension sends "strong message"

NRL chief executive David Smith: Ferguson's suspension "sends a message." ( Getty Images: Matt King )

NRL chief executive Dave Smith said Ferguson's suspension sent a "strong message" that the player's behaviour was not acceptable.

"I think clearly the fact of the matter is, we don't want to see that type of behaviour," he told Grandstand.

"We've suspended Blake on the basis he's had a number of alcohol issues.

"Whilst I've got regard for his welfare, quite frankly we don't want to see this type of behaviour, the fans don't want to see it, the vast majority of players don't want to see it.

"We've been in close contact with the police, with the player, we've worked closely with the Raiders and NSW, and it's been a long dialogue before we've reached this decision."

Smith said Ferguson's charge had tarnished rugby league.

"The first step in Blake's case is to make a clear call in relation to Origin and tomorrow we will consult with the Raiders to determine the minimum period we would look at in terms of suspension," he said in an earlier statement.

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"We have worked closely with both the NSWRL and the Canberra Raiders during this process and there remains genuine concern for the welfare of the player.

"We will offer every support to address any issues but there also has to be a clear deterrent."

Earlier, Blues coach Laurey Daley said NSW players and staff would cooperate with the police investigation.

"We have been made aware of an allegation and have been in contact with the NRL's integrity unit," NSW coach Laurie Daley said.

"Josh Dugan was with Blake at the time, but there has been no allegations made against him and we will update you as the matter continues."

Chequered career

Starring role ... Blake Ferguson enjoyed an excellent debut in the Blues' Origin I win in Sydney. ( AAP: Paul Miller )

It is the latest incident in a chequered career for Ferguson, who along with Dugan had been dubbed 'the booze brothers'.

The highly talented Dugan was axed by the Raiders after he and Ferguson missed a recovery session to go drinking on his rooftop in the wake of a heavy defeat to Penrith in round one.

Ferguson was given a final warning, fined $10,000, suspended for one game and ordered to undergo counselling.

Since the pair went their separate ways, it has coincided in an upturn in form with Ferguson impressing on his Origin debut.

Dugan has done likewise with a struggling St George Illawarra side to return to the Origin arena for the first time since game one in 2011 after Jarryd Hayne failed to recover from a hamstring injury.

Blues players did their best to play down any claims of disruption with back rower Ryan Hoffman denying it would affect the build-up to Wednesday week's game.

"We don't know anything about it and the attention and speculation is something we can't control," Hoffman said.

"But preparations for the game will be as normal and I am sure the team management will keep us informed as to what is going on.

"But all of our focus is on the game."

The alleged incident echoes the build-up to game one that Queensland experienced with Ben Te'o accused of assaulting a woman where Broncos full-back Corey Norman and Maroons team-mate Darius Boyd were also present.

South Sydney forward Te'o has not been charged by police but the lead-up to the series opener was dominated by a complaint by the alleged victim.

On Te'o, Smith told Grandstand: "We spoke to Queensland Police and that investigation continues.

"They've got a number of detectives working on it and it will run its course. Queensland Police are doing the job as quickly as they can in a thorough way and until that time I haven't really much more to say on it."

ABC/AAP