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Why are they still bothering with Ferguson. Interesting move for McCauley but at least he's coming back
Western Force still talking with former State of Origin star Blake Ferguson about jumping ship to Super Rugby
Nick Taylor
The West Australian
Wed, 11 August 2021 4:13PM
Western Force have not given up hope of snaring Blake Ferguson as lengthy talks continue with the former State of Origin star.
The Parramatta winger has been considering a code switch to Super Rugby since he fell out of favour with the Eels, but there are a number of demands that must be met before a decision is made.
Eels coach Brad Arthur recently said he had not ruled out the prospect of the veteran extending his stay at the club.
When the Force made an approach to Ferguson, who has played seven times for Australia, chief executive Tony Lewis described it a serious offer.
“We’re very serious on the approach. We believe that Blake would be an exceptional rugby player. We think he is good enough to play international rugby,” Lewis said.
Meanwhile Force second-rower Ryan McCauley will spend a season with English premiership heavyweights Exeter Chiefs.
It is understood McCauley was considering a spell in New Zealand’s National Provincial Competition but has signed a short term contract with Exeter and will return for next year’s Super Rugby campaign.
McCauley moved from the Waratahs on a two-year deal last season and has made 14 Force appearances, mainly from the bench.
He is a former Australian Schoolboys and under-20 representative and played in two Junior World Cups.
The Force still have a couple of spots open, one for an outside back that could be filed by Ferguson, and a flanker.
They have already recruited Wallabies second-rower Izack Rodda, Fiji winger Manasa Mataele and backs Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Reesjan Pasitoa, Bayley Kuenzle and Reece Tapine and prop Harry Lloyd, all from the Brumbies.