John Ferguson (rugby league) facts for kids

John "Chicka" Ferguson (born 15 July 1954) is an Australian former professional rugby league player. He played in the 1980s as a fast and skilled winger. John was known for scoring many tries. He played for important teams like the Newtown Jets, Eastern Suburbs Roosters, and the Canberra Raiders. He also represented his state, New South Wales, and his country, Australia. Ferguson helped the Canberra Raiders win two big championships in 1989 and 1990. He also played in England for Wigan, where he won the 1985 Challenge Cup. John Ferguson has been honored as one of Australia's best Indigenous rugby league players.

Playing Career Highlights

Early Days in Rugby League

John Ferguson started his rugby league journey playing for the South Grafton Rebels as a junior. He played there from 1972 to 1975. After that, he moved to play for Glen Innes from 1976 to 1980. His talent quickly became clear, and he was invited to play for the Newtown Jets in 1981.

Grand Final Appearances and Time in England

In 1981, John Ferguson played in his first Grand Final with the Newtown Jets. After playing for Newtown, he moved to the Eastern Suburbs Roosters. Later, he went to England to play for Wigan during the 1984–85 season.

His time in England was very exciting. He scored 24 tries in just 25 games. This amazing performance caught the attention of Australian selectors. John played as a winger for Wigan in the 1984 Lancashire Cup Final in 1984. He also played in the famous 1985 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in 1985. In that game, he scored two important tries, helping Wigan win 28–24 against Hull F.C.. This match is often called one of the greatest Cup Finals ever.

Success with the Canberra Raiders

After his time in England, Ferguson returned to Australia to play in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership. In 1988, he was the top try-scorer in the league. He then joined the Canberra Raiders, where he became a key player.

In the famous 1989 Grand Final, John scored a dramatic try in the very last minute. This try sent the game into extra time. The Canberra Raiders eventually won the championship against the Balmain Tigers. After this big win, he traveled with the Raiders to England for the 1989 World Club Challenge. He played on the wing in that game, but Canberra lost to Widnes.

Even at 36 years old, John Ferguson was still one of the fastest players for the Raiders. He helped the Canberra Raiders win their second championship in the 1990 NSWRL season.

Representative Career

John Ferguson was chosen to represent New South Wales as a winger in the Rugby League State of Origin series. This is a very important series where players from New South Wales play against players from Queensland.

He played in these State of Origin series:

• All three games of the 1985 State of Origin series
• Games II and III of the 1988 State of Origin series
• All three games of the 1989 State of Origin series

John Ferguson holds a special record. He is the oldest player to have ever played for the New South Wales State of Origin team. He was 34 years and 348 days old when he played his last State of Origin game.

Awards and Recognition

Indigenous Team of the Century

In 2001, John Ferguson was honored by being named on the wing in the Indigenous Team of the Century. This team celebrates the best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rugby league players from 1908 to 2008. Arthur Beetson, who was named captain of this special team, said that "Chicka was as good a winger as anybody." This shows how highly respected John was by other great players.

Canberra Raiders Indigenous Team

In 2004, John Ferguson was again recognized for his contributions. The Canberra Raiders selected a team of the best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players who had played for their club. John was proudly included in this team.