Parramatta winger Blake Ferguson has called time on his NRL career after 249 first-grade games.
The 31-year-old revealed the decision in an interview with The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield as he admitted his next goal is to represent the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Having played for the Blues at Origin level and the Kangaroos at international level, Ferguson says he’s achieved all of his goals in rugby league and is now set to turn to union.
He says that he made the decision to depart the NRL after he was told his next offer from Parramatta would’ve been far less than he currently earns.
“Brad (Arthur) said he’d love to still have me but the offer would be a lot less than what I was on,” Ferguson told the Telegraph.
“So, I’ve played my last NRL game.
“It’s been a good ride and I got to achieve every goal that I set for myself.
“There has been some drama but it was all just part of the journey.”
With reported interest from Super Rugby club Western Force, Ferguson says his manager is looking to facilitate his cross-code move with a Wallabies dream in mind.
“My manager (Sam Ayoub) is looking into it,” Ferguson said.
“There are some very good opportunities now in rugby union.
“One of my goals is to play for the Wallabies.
“You’ve got to aim high. It would be a fantastic achievement to be a dual international.”
Ferguson reportedly has interest from Japanese rugby union clubs if he does decide to pursue the switch.