THE Roosters shake-up their squad, Matt Bowen’s nephew pushes for an NRL deal and a coach impresses in the gym.

Parramatta and Canterbury make positional changes ahead of the new season.

Plus a forward prepares to make his return as Private Ryan takes a look behind the scenes of the greatest game of all.

FERGO’S NEW ROLE

Round 19

Test star Blake Ferguson is set to return to the centres in 2017 with Michael Gordon the likely man to get first crack in the Roosters’ No.1.

The 26-year-old, who finished 2016 as a star of Australia’s victorious Four Nations tournament, played a host of positions for the Tricolours last season.

Ferguson made seven of his 22 appearances at fullback, four on the wing and the rest at centre but with Latrell Mitchell and Gordon to fight for the custodian’s role, Roosters boss Trent Robinson believes Ferguson is best suited to centre.

“I’ll play in the centres, so I’ve been training there,” Ferguson told Private Ryan.

Blake Ferguson of Australia scores a try. Source: Getty Images

“I’ve had some chats with Robbo and we spoke about what position is my best and centre’s probably my best position.”

Last year the off-contract Ferguson scored 11 tries at club level and played a hand in eight.

While he averaged 121 metres per game, moving him into the line should ensure he’s more of a threat in attack.

“It keeps me in the game every minute,” he said of playing centre.

“It’s doing the structure right and making sure I’m up to speed with everything. Try and be a good centre again. I played there in 2015 and played some really good footy.

“I’ve always preferred to play in the centres. I think fullback has added a bit to my game fitness wise and ball skills wise. I need to get back in and get that muscle memory back.”

HUSH, HUSH

Which player is on the nose with his club due to his love for having a mid-week bender?

SPOTTED

Josh and Brett Morris at Belmore Sports Ground. Source: News Corp Australia

The Morris brothers training on the same edge for Canterbury.

It looks like Brett will start the season on the wing outside Josh as Will Hopoate has all but secured the fullback spot.

WAITING GAME

Newcastle fans shouldn’t celebrate too soon following reports the club has been speaking with former South Sydney and Penrith forward Chris Grevsmuhl.

The talented 23-year-old has taken time away from the game to deal with some personal issues which the NRL is helping him through.

With the NRL deeply involved in his recovery, it’s not as simple as signing a contract and getting back on the field.

Private Ryan understands the governing body will need to clear him to return before a deal will even be considered. It’s a sign that the game is taking player welfare extremely seriously.

While the Knights have had a conversation with Grevsmuhl’s management, so have a handful of clubs including the Cowboys.

STORM TRIAL NO.1

Keep an eye out for an exciting player by the name of Linc Port.

The nephew of Cowboys sensation Matt Bowen and cousin to Cowboy Javid, the fullback was invited to join the Storm for a five week trial last year but he was so impressive that Craig Bellamy extended his stay.

Linc Port breaks away to score a long range try. Source: News Corp Australia

Currently in camp in Geelong where the team has established their base, the 25-year-old is most at home in the no.1 but can also play on the wing.

While he’s yet to sign an NRL deal, the former Wests Tigers NYC player is in line for a place in the Storm’s Auckland Nines squad next month.

Port, who tips the scales at 94 kilos, is lightening on his feet which saw him gain selection in last year’s Queensland Residents team.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Good coaches lead by example and several mentors have taken that line of thought to heart. Dragons boss Paul McGregor has been joining his team for the bulk of their fitness drills this pre-season.

Brad Arthur and Michael Maguire are also known for jumping into sessions with their team.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor at training. Source: News Corp Australia

Arthur and several members of his coaching staff joined his team and this journalist late last year for their gruelling annual torture session on the central coast.

McGregor has been slogging it out on the field and in the gym. Several of his players have told Private Rya n that seeing the coach’s farmer’s arms have given them extra motivation when pumping iron.

PARRA’S NO.9 PROBLEM

Parramatta have three quality hookers on their books but only one will get the nod come round one.

With some added size to his 2017 squad, Brad Arthur doesn’t want the carry a hooker on his bench which means whoever gets the nod will need to play 80 minutes.

Kaysa Pritchard during Parramatta training. Source: News Corp Australia

Isaac DeGois has satisfied the role for some time now and while he was named as part of the Eels’ leadership group for this year, he’s no guarantee to start the season in the no.9.

Both Kaysa Pritchard and Cameron King have been training the house down and will trial for a starting spot come round one.

King has been particularly impressive during the pre-season but needs to fix a few defensive faults if he is going to secure the jersey.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“That gives the coaching staff and the Maroons some time with Smithy, Cooper and the likes still there, we’re not all retiring at the same time and leave a massive hole. We can filter out and make it as least painful as possible.”

- Johnathan Thurston speaking about why the 2017 Origin series will be his last.

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