But his legal team says it is too early to be considering an appeal, as it awaits his sentencing on February 3. Mundine was in Canberra on Friday to support his friend, World Boxing Association vice-president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, from Panama, who is competing in the Ironman 70.3 event in the national capital on Sunday.

Mundine had last spoken to Ferguson, his cousin, on Thursday, a day after the wayward star was found guilty in a Sydney court of indecently assaulting a woman in a Cronulla nightspot. Mundine suggested Wednesday's finding and the upcoming sentencing were not likely to be the end of the matter. ''It's round one,'' Mundine said. ''We believe the truth will prevail. We'll take it to the district court and appeal.''

Asked if he believed the sacked Raider would be able to return to league, Mundine said: ''Yeah, hopefully. Everybody makes mistakes.''

However, Blake's lawyer, Adam Houda, said he was only waiting for the sentencing on February 3 and the matter was still before the courts, with no conviction recorded yet. ''We'll consider our options after the sentencing date,'' he said.

Mundine's manager, Khoder Nasser, was also among the entourage in Canberra and there were suggestions that Ferguson's support group was rallying to engage in a long-term rehabilitation of the young man to put him back on track.