ROOSTERS star Blake Ferguson wants to get a contract finalised before the NSW team gets selected in little over a fortnight.

And he says James Tedesco’s arrival at the Bondi club shouldn’t impact his own situation.

The 27-year-old revealed after Friday’s Test in Canberra he is hoping to know his future by the time Laurie Daley announces his Blues squad for Origin I later this month.

Ferguson is one of 12 Roosters players off-contract and yet to commit to an NRL club beyond 2017.

Round 19

The club has already offloaded forward Kane Evans to free up salary cap space after announcing the signing of star fullback Tedesco on a lucrative deal last week.

Tedesco’s arrival will have ramifications for a number of backline players — none more so than veteran No.1 Michael Gordon.

But as Ferguson has no desire to play fullback, he doesn’t believe Tedesco’s signing will affect his own position.



Blake Ferguson of the Roosters celebrates after scoring a try. Source: AAP







“I honestly never really wanted to play fullback. The only reason I played there last year was because Latrell (Mitchell) was young and he needed a rest, that was the deal with Robbo,” Ferguson said after helping Australia beat New Zealand in the Anzac Test.

But the representative outside back admits he’s no certainty to remain with the Tricolours.

“Hopefully I can get a contract sorted out with the Roosters, but if it happens to be that I move on then I move on. I’m keeping my options open,” he said.

“I just play football and all that contract stuff sorts itself out. I’ve got a great manager that does a great job for me.

“I’m hoping to get it all sorted out within the next three weeks before the Origin team gets selected.”

Aside from Ferguson, his backline teammates Gordon, Daniel Tupou, and Shaun Kenny-Dowall are all off contract this year.

Gordon appears the most likely to make way for Tedesco, although a fresh drug investigation involving Kenny-Dowall adds fuel to the fire suggesting the Kiwi veteran is on his way out.

Then there’s out-of-sorts teen star Latrell Mitchell, and fellow young talent Joseph Manu who will be fighting for backline spots at the Roosters next year.

Ferguson admits he has no idea what the 2018 back five will look like, save for Tedesco in the No.1.

“If I do end up staying it will look similar to how it is ... it will be a pretty smooth backline,” he said.

Welcome to the Pressure Gauge!

BRONCOS

Outs: Mitchell Dodds (leg, indefinite), Benji Marshall (wrist, round 11), Ben Hunt (hamstring, round 12-13), Jai Arrow (thumb, round 11), Tevita Pangai Jnr (thumb, round 16-20), James Roberts (ankle, round 12)

It’s a big week for: Anthony Milford. Had a bit of a shocker for Samoa on Saturday, which was poor timing given a spot has opened up in the Queensland side due to Johnathan Thurston’s injury. A match up with Daly Cherry-Evans is the perfect chance to bounce back.

In calculations: David Mead. The flyer is likely to continue his stint as a bench utility with Ben Hunt still out injured.

Crystal ball: The Sea Eagles are yet to lose away from home, so their decision to play a home game in enemy territory at Suncorp Stadium could be a genius move.

RAIDERS

Outs: Shannon Boyd (ankle, Round 13), Kurt Baptiste (Achilles, indefinite), Dave Taylor (calf, round 10-12), Josh Papalii (suspension, Round 11)

It’s a big week for: Joseph Tapine. Every player wants to have a big performance when they play their former club and with Shannon Boyd out injured, Tapine will need to be at his best to ensure the Raiders win the arm wrestle.

In calculations: Scott Sorensen. The former Shark is the most likely inclusion on Canberra’s bench with Dave Taylor still out and their pack already missing Boyd and Papalii.

Crystal ball: Canberra’s sluggish first third of the season is ominous for the Knights, especially with the likes of Joey Leilua keen to prove his Origin bona fides.

BULLDOGS

Outs: Chase Stanley (knee, Indefinite), Lachlan Lewis (shoulder, round 10), Josh Reynolds (hamstring, Round 14)

It’s a big week for: Moses Mbye. With Josh Reynolds out, Mbye needs to step up and take control — particularly at a time when he is reportedly being shopped around. Against a Cowboys outfit missing Johnathan Thurston, Mbye should be aiming to be the dominant half on the field.

In calculations: Matt Frawley. The likely halves partner for Mbye with Reynolds out, Frawley will finally get the chance to show what he can do in a starting role.

Crystal ball: Even with Reynolds out, this is the perfect time to face the Cowboys and the Bulldogs are in good enough form to take the points.

SHARKS

Outs: James Segeyaro (arm, round 12-13), Jayson Bukuya (shoulder, indefinite), Tony Williams (knee, indefinite)

It’s a big week for: Jack Bird. Josh Dugan’s cheekbone fracture opens the door a crack for NSW’s other right centres to put their hand up for the job for game one. Playing against his junior club, Bird will be keen to put his best foot forward.

I n calculations: Luke Lewis is expected to return from a hamstring injury.

Crystal ball: The Sharks have got their local rivals at a good time and will be too strong for a side without Gareth Widdop and Dugan.

TITANS

Outs: John Olive (pectoral, indefinite), Will Zillman (calf, indefinite), Agnatius Paasi (shoulder, round 10-11), Nathaniel Peteru (foot, indefinite), Max King (hand, round 11-13), Chris Grevsmuhl (shoulder, indefinite), Dale Copley (back, indefinite), Karl Lawton (hamstring, indefinite)

It’s a big week for: Ryan James. With his co-captain Kevin Proctor losing his leadership role over a drug bust following Friday night’s Test in Canberra, the burden gets heavier on James. A big performance against the Storm will prove he’s up to it.

In calculations: Agnatius Paasi. Is due back from a shoulder injury in the next fortnight and with Proctor out of the side, Neil Henry may push to get him playing this week.

Crystal ball: The Titans have done well to get a Storm home game at Suncorp Stadium and it might just provide them with a recipe for an upset.

Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover chat to Newcastle coach Nathan Brown about his plans for the future including key recruitment targets.





You can also subscribe via iTunes or for Android users, listen on the iPP Podcast Player app.

SEA EAGLES

Outs: Billy Bainbridge (shoulder, indefinite), Lloyd Perrett (sternum, unknown), Darcy Lussick (elbow, indefinite)

It’s a big week for: Daly Cherry-Evans. Has been in top form and Johnathan Thurston’s injury opens the door for him to press his case for a Maroons recall.

In calculations: Lloyd Perrett. The extent of his sternum injury has not been reported but if there’s no fracture it’s likely to be a pain management issue which could bring him into calculations.

Crystal ball: DCE will be the dominant half on the ground, putting Manly in with a chance to cause a boilover.

STORM

Outs: Christian Welch (ACL, season), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (broken hand, Round 12), Jesse Bromwich (suspended, Round 12)

It’s a big week for: Tim Glasby. With Christian Welch out for the season, Jesse Bromwich suspended and Nelson Asofa-Solomona injured, Glasby has a golden opportunity to stake his claim for a starting spot going forward. Being a Queenslander, he also has a shot at impressive Maroons coach Kevin Walters.

In calculations: Tohu Harris. The Kiwi international is set to make his long-awaited return from injury and will likely slot into the backrow.

Crystal ball: Despite the front row losses, the Storm should be too good for the Titans.

KNIGHTS

Outs: Rory Kostjasyn (throat, indefinite), Dylan Pythian (knee, indefinite), Jarrod Mullen (suspension, indefinite), Jack Cogger (pelvis, round 16), Broadie Smith (Shoulder, unknown), Jamie Buhrer (foot, round 12-14), David Bhana (knee, season), Mitch Barnett (ankle, round 14-16)

It’s a big week for: The whole team. It’s been a case of two steps forward, three back for the Knights this season. Despite only winning one game this season, they’ve given a good account of themselves in most matches. But they fell apart against the Titans in round nine so they need to re-find that fighting spirit.

In calculations: Pauli Pauli. The big bopper is back from injury after a horror car crash and could come into contention.

Crystal ball: The Knights have performed well at home this year and should give the Raiders a run for their money, but ultimately, they’ll fall short.







COWBOYS

Outs: Jake Granville (fibula, round 10-12), Josh Chudleigh (ACL, season), Matt Scott (ACL, Season), Shaun Fensom (ankle ligament, Unknown), Gavin Cooper (shoulder, indefinite), Johnathan Thurston (shoulder, unknown)

It’s a big week for: Michael Morgan. Johnathan Thurston is out again so the pressure is on Morgan to step and guide the side around the park. The Australian Test reprepresentative has had a slow start to the season so he needs to get his side firing, especially with Origin around the corner.

In calculations: Lachlan Coote. The fullback is set to return from a nagging calf issue.

Crystal ball: If the Cowboys don’t contain the Bulldogs forward pack, they could be in for a tough time. Bulldogs in a close one.

EELS

Outs: Rory O’Brien (hamstring, round 10), Scott Schulte (hamstring, round 11), Isaac De Gois (concussion, indefinite), Honeti Tuha (ankle, round 10), Jeff Robson (calf, round 10), Matt Woods (shoulder, round 13), Frank Pritchard (ankle, round 18), Brad Takairangi (PCL, round 12)

It’s a big week for: Corey Norman. The Eels star has a great chance to stake his claim for an Origin jumper this weekend when he comes up against the Roosters. With Johnathan Thurston injured, some experts are calling for Norman to partner Cooper Cronk in Queensland halves, so he can impress the Maroons powerbrokers with a strong performance against an impressive Tricolours outfit.

In calculations: Bevan French is a chance of returning a PCL injury which has sidelined him since round five.

Crystal ball: The Roosters should be just a little too classy for the Eels at Allianz Stadium.

PANTHERS

Outs: Sam McKendry (knee, round 12-14), Josh Mansour (knee, mid-season)

It’s a big week for: The whole team. The Panthers were poor across the board in their last game against the Broncos, giving up a whopping 28 points before sparking to life when the result was long gone. After five consecutive losses, they need to turn things around — and fast.

In calculations: James Fisher-Harris is expected to play after being sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Crystal ball: Panthers to break their poor run of form in front of a home crowd against the Warriors.

Live stream the 2017 NRL Telstra Premiership on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week FOXTEL PLAY trial and start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW!

RA BBITOHS

Outs: Greg Inglis (ACL, indefinite), Aaron Gray (knee, indefinite), Jack Gosiewski (knee, round 12), Connor Tracey (ACL, indefinite), George Burgess (suspension, round 13)

It’s a big week for: The defence. It’s an aspect of their game Michael Maguire would no doubt have been focusing on during the rep period. Because the last time the Bunnies ran out to play, the Sea Eagles punched hole after hole through their defensive line, with Akuila Uate bagging four tries.

In calculations: There aren’t any changes expected for Souths this week, but the likes of Braidon Burns and Tyrell Fuimaono continue to wait in the wings.

Crystal ball: The Bunnies to bounce back against the Wests Tigers.

DRAGONS

Outs: Josh Dugan (cheek, round 12), Will Matthews (dislocated hip, late season), Drew Hutchison (knee, season), Yaw Kiti Glymin (shoulder, late season), Levi Dodd (knee, Season), Gareth Widdop (knee, round 14)

It’s a big week for: Jason Nightingale. The veteran winger is again set to slot into the No.1 jersey after Josh Dugan fractured his cheekbone in the Anzac Test.

In calculations: Jai Field. The youngster is in line to jag a bench spot with Taane Milne likely to move into the starting side and take over Nightingale’s wing.

Crystal ball: Without Widdop and Dugan, beating the defending premiers is going to be a big ask. Sharks to come away with a gritty win.



ROOSTERS

Outs: Nat Butcher (shoulder, indefinite), Ryan Matterson (ankle, round 12-14), Isaac Liu (foot, Round 12), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (disciplinary, indefinite)

It’s a big week for: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. After being overlooked for the Anzac Test, the big Kiwi will be out to prove a point against Parramatta. With Jesse Bromwich now banned from the World Cup, JWH must keep firing to remain in the frame for a NZ jumper.

In calculations: Latrell Mitchell. With Shaun Kenny-Dowall stood down indefinitely due to drug allegations, Mitchell is tipped to make a return to NRL footy.

Crystal ball: The Tricolours will return to the winners’ circle against the Eels.

WARRIORS

Outs: None.

It’s a big week for: Shaun Johnson. Even though the Warriors’ spine is the same as the New Zealand Test side’s, the Kiwi playmaker was disappointing against Australia in the Anzac Test. His kicking game was poor with a number of balls bouncing dead which let the Aussies off the hook.

In calculations: Manu Vatuvei. ‘The Beast’ had a solid game for Tonga in the Pacific Test and could slot back onto the wing.

Crystal ball: Flip a coin because this could go either way against the Panthers.

TIGERS

Outs: Matt Ballin (knee, indefinite), Aaron Woods (groin, indefinite), David Nofoaluma (knee, indefinite)

It’s a big week for: James Tedesco. It will be the first time the Tigers fullback will play since officially announcing his move to the Roosters next year. He must show the fans he’s still committed to the rest of the season.

In calculations: Tim Grant and Jamal Idris are expected to come into the side after recovering from shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively.

Crystal ball: The Tigers shocked the Rabbitohs back in round one, but Souths will be better prepared this time around.