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http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...fresh-scrutiny-by-raiders-20130818-2s568.html
The Canberra Raiders are investigating allegations Blake Ferguson was drinking while injured as the club faces a contractual crisis to retain the NSW Origin centre and rookie sensation Anthony Milford.
Ferguson has confirmed he was at a pub in the Sutherland Shire on Saturday night, just hours after missing the Raiders' 28-16 loss to the Bulldogs at Canberra Stadium due to injury.
Ferguson texted Fairfax Media on Sunday to deny claims on social media he had been drinking alcohol at the pub or that he had skipped the Raiders' home match completely.
However, it is understood Ferguson abandoned Saturday's 3pm game about half-time and was spotted at a bar in Gymea about 6.30pm.
The Raiders are also investigating claims Ferguson, who was a late withdrawal from the weekend's match, was at Canberra nightclub Mooseheads until the early hours of Saturday morning.
Ferguson had an ultrasound on Friday which the club said revealed a small tear in his quadriceps. But as late as Friday afternoon, the club's medical staff had recommended he undergo a last-gasp fitness test on Saturday morning. While
Ferguson has not officially requested a release from the Raiders, behind the scenes Canberra officials are increasingly concerned his erratic behaviour suggests he may want out.
Ferguson has still not addressed media reports he wants a release at the end of the season to return to Sydney, to be closer to family and mentor Anthony Mundine.
There is speculation that Mundine is also manoeuvring to become involved in Ferguson's management. Fairfax Media has learned that Ferguson officially split with his previous manager, and uncle, Bob Sutherland, on Friday.
Fairfax Media tried to contact Ferguson on Sunday. His response was via text: ''I went to the game! Just because I was at a pub doesn't mean I was drinking! Had dinner with family and friends!''
Raiders chief executive Don Furner addressed the board at Saturday's match. There was frustration among board members Ferguson had not been given any official duties on game-day while injured.
However, the club does not want to release him from the final two years of his contract and would be reluctant to sack him without the NRL's backing, given he could end up at a rival club. The Cronulla Sharks are looming as the club most likely to try to poach him.
The Raiders board also discussed the crisis with Milford, which worsened on Sunday when his manager, Sam Ayoub, threatened the rookie fullback could boycott the NRL next year if Canberra did not grant him a release at the end of this season.
Milford has an out-clause in his contract, relating to the deteriorating health of his father Halo, but there is debate over whether it requires agreement by both parties.
Milford has been linked with a move to the Brisbane Broncos in 2015, but his management wants the transfer to happen next season.
Senior Raiders players report Milford has told them he is under immense pressure from his management to make the move. Milford's parents, from Brisbane, are staying with him in Canberra.
Raiders coach David Furner would not be drawn to comment on the club's off-field battles, but said he would continue to select Milford for the remainder of the season. ''One hundred per cent, I'll continue to pick him,'' Furner said. ''The squad I've got available, if they're playing good football, I'll be picking them.''
The Milford and Ferguson drama could not have come at a worse time for the injuries-hit Raiders, who may need to win their three remaining matches just to squeak into the finals.
Ferguson has been stood down three times in the past two seasons for incidents relating to alcohol, including a five-match suspension after he was charged with indecent assault in June for an alleged incident at a Cronulla bar.
