BLAKE Ferguson has taken the first step toward a return to the NRL today, finalising employment with the Roosters for the rest of this season.

The exiled 24-year-old spent this morning at Moore Park, meeting officials from both the NRL and Roosters to plot his path back to rugby league.

Is Blake Ferguson a good signing for the Roosters? Sub-type: comment CAPTION: Is Blake Ferguson a good signing for the Roosters? Sub-type: comment CAPTION: Is Blake Ferguson a good signing for the Roosters?

While Ferguson has not been cleared to sign a playing contract with the Roosters, the NRL is happy for him to commence working for the club in a community and junior football development role.

Negotiations with Roosters CEO Brian Canavan finalised that role today, giving Ferguson the green light to commence his new off-field work this week.

The Roosters have been in discussions with the NRL about Ferguson for some time, and initially wanted to have him registered prior to the 30 June transfer deadline.

But after discussions with the NRL, football has taken a back seat to the more immediate task of rehabilitating and preparing the former Sharks, Raiders and NSW Origin star to be in a fit state to come back.

Ferguson is also recovering from ankle surgery, and may not be physically fit before the end of the season.

Ferguson has not played rugby league since last July, when he indicated a desire to leave Canberra and return to Sydney to be closer to family, most significantly his big cousin Anthony Mundine.

Since then he was also found guilty of indecent assault in relation to incident with a female at a Cronulla nightspot in June last year. Ferguson pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers expressed disappointment with support received from the NRL after the December verdict was handed down.