Former NRL bad boy Blake Ferguson is set to complete his resurrection as a bona fide star by announcing a new deal with the Roosters this week.
Ferguson starred for the Tricolours in Saturday night's comprehensive 24-4 win over Penrith, having a hand in two tries and almost bagging two himself.
It was his strongest outing in the NRL since being sacked by Canberra in late 2013.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson attempted to downplay Ferguson's effort - he also registered a game-high 157 metres - after the game but couldn't ignore his impact.
"He had a great game," Robinson said.
"I thought that's was where he's at - (I) probably won't like to project too much.
"We had a good game tonight, and Blake played really well I thought. It was nice to see him tall and powerful and trying some things. He's been good."
Asked whether it was his best effort since joining the Roosters, Robinson said: "He played well."
At one stage the 25-year-old almost pulled off a jaw-dropping leap over Jamie Soward to retrieve a kick only to almost land on his head.
"(But) he jumped straight back up, which was pleasing for everybody. That was pretty spectacular," Robinson said.
"I could see he was going for it from a long way out. And I don't think anybody thought he'd get that high.
"He got so high on that play, and then when he flipped ... he's a good athlete there. As soon as he jumped back up, I was much happier."
After being handed a lifeline by the Roosters last year, Ferguson is now expected to extend his stay at Bondi on a more lucrative deal this week.
Wing partner Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who finished with two tries courtesy of Ferguson's work, said it was important the club tie up Ferguson's signature given the departure of fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at the end of the season.
"It's huge for us. Obviously with Roger departing next year, it leaves us an outside back short," he said.
"But if we can keep really working on Ferguson, who knows what's in store for him?
"It's pretty exciting he can play like that in the centres and maybe move back to fullback as well.
"It's really exciting for the club."
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