Blake Austin will make a call on his NRL future this week after propelling Canberra to a season-saving come-from-behind win over Canterbury on Saturday night.
Austin played just 16 minutes for the Raiders at Belmore, but was their most influential player in the dying stages as they scored three tries in six minutes to snatch the 32-28 win and stay ninth.
The 27-year-old remains off contract at the Raiders, and has been linked to several clubs including Parramatta in the NRL and Warrington in the English Super League.
"It will be this week sometime, we'll make an announcement and I'm really excited for it," Austin revealed.
"In my head yeah, I'm probably closer than close.
"I know what's going on but we'll have to sit back and wait and see what's going to happen."
Dropped back to the bench by coach Ricky Stuart earlier this week, Austin had his first impact with Canberra down 28-14 in the 74th minute when he stepped through the Bulldogs line to cross.
Then after Joseph Tapine scored with two minutes to play, Austin broke downfield off the following set to allow Joseph Leilua to be in the position to win the game with a minute to spare.
"It's been a tough week, probably been a tough six weeks if I'm brutally honest," Austin said.
"I wasn't real sure what my role was going to be tonight but I guess to make an impact like I did. It's going to make the week a but more enjoyable.
"We went to Suncorp last week (against Brisbane) and our right edge conceded a few tries therefore Ricky made a change and Sammy (Williams) got a chance.
"But I knew if I got out there I could make an impact."
Austin's short-term future on the field also looks unclear at Canberra, with Stuart unsure where he will play next week after first featuring in the halves and then at the back on Saturday.
Fullback Brad Abbey suffered a serious concussion late against the Bulldogs, however Nick Cotric could take his No.1 jersey if Jordan Rapana returns from a hamstring injury as part of a backline reshuffle.
"I'm not sure where Jordan is at the moment, it might be one more week" Stuart said.
"Which leaves the decision of whether Blake's goes back in or sits on the bench and does the same job again ... I'll have a look at it again."
Not that coming on late as a super sub proved a bad option on Saturday night.
"He certainly added a bit of a vibrant feel to the team and a bit of a spark that we lacked all game," Stuart said.
"He was disappointed where he was going to be in the 17 but he's certainly ready to play when he got the opportunity."
Stuart also confirmed prop Shannon Boyd tore his calf in the win.
