Sydney Roosters star Blake Ferguson has put a forgettable 12 months behind him to sign with Parramatta on a three-season NRL deal.
The former NSW and Kangaroos winger on Wednesday put pen to paper and will next year join the Eels on a $1.5 million contract.
The Roosters had attempted to keep the 28-year-old and he also turned down an approach to join former Roosters teammates Mitchell Pearce, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Connor Watson at Newcastle.
Ferguson has been one of the Roosters’ best and most consistent performers this year after electing to go on an alcohol ban.
He is the club’s top try-scorer with 10, leads the league with 189 run metres per game and is fourth for linebreaks with 13.
He has also proven himself a game-winner with his double against Newcastle and last-play try-saving hit on Mahe Fonua against the Wests Tigers proving decisive in back-to-back two-point wins last month.
However his fine form has been offset by the disappointment of being dropped by Australian coach Mal Meninga for last year’s World Cup and overlooked by Blues coach Brad Fittler.
Ferguson had many fingers pointed at him after it emerged he was drinking with NSW teammate Josh Dugan just three days before the Blues lost last year’s Origin decider.
He responded by vowing to change his image and swearing off alcohol for the season.
The Eels will be Ferguson’s fourth club after debuting at Cronulla and a three-year stint at Canberra, where he was sacked for off-field issues.
It remains to be seen where Ferguson will fit into Arthur’s backline with outside backs Jarryd Hayne and George Jennings also off contract.
Ferguson joins returning prop Junior Paulo as the Eels’ big name signings for 2019.
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