Blake Ferguson on the centimetres that elevated him into first NRL grand final
IT was the highlight reel moment that almost wasn’t. But two freakish and perhaps lucky occurrences ensured it happened.
Roosters
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SO HOW close was that right boot to the sideline?
“Ah, I was lucky to stay in,” Roosters winger Blake Ferguson laughs of the try that put his side into the 2018 grand final.
A highlight reel moment that almost wasn’t.
For when centre Joey Manu charged for the white stripe with 49 minutes gone, the scores locked four-all and a couple of South Sydney players hanging from him … well, nobody expected that Steeden to pop out the back.
Not even Fergy Ferg.
And still the Roosters pick ‘n’ swinger — whose right boot was almost on the touchline when he received the ball — not only caught said flick and stayed in, but then stepped inside Bunnies No. 6 Cody Walker before pushing through another two defenders for one of the most important tries of the Roosters 2018 season.
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A try Ferguson admits he never saw coming.
“But you have to be aware of that flick pass I guess,” he says. “It half caught me by surprise and I was lucky to stay in.
“I knew it was close but once I saw the replay, I knew I was in.”
And as for how it felt?
“Tries don’t really bother me,” he shrugs. “I’d rather save them.”
Regardless, after 10 seasons, three clubs and more than a couple of headlines, Ferguson’s last game with the Roosters — he joins Parramatta as a marquee signing in 2019 — will also double as his first NRL grand final.
Better, he gets to continue that lethal right edge partnership with Manu — the youngster who was himself controversially kept out of last year’s Roosters finals campaign by coach Trent Robinson.
Asked if his Tricolours roomie was motivated by missing out last season, Ferguson says: “I’ve asked him about it but he’s pretty quiet.
“But I knew the pre-season Joey had this year, it was based on what happened last year.
“He’s come through the other side and is playing some good footy. Has really evolved over the past couple of years.
“He was unlucky to miss out on a finals series last year and this year he’s really evolved as a player. Matured.
“Playing on the outside of him, it’s good to see a young guy come through the grades and perform at the highest level.”
And as for making your own grand final debut?
“First time, so I just lean on some of the guys that have been there,” he said. “I’ve played in plenty of big games in my career so I’ll just take it as another one I guess.
“Melbourne are a quality team and we’ll have our hands full. But I’m sure we’ll get the job done.”
Elsewhere, Ferguson also had something of a front row seat for the inspirational performance that was Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk helping his side to victory over the Bunnies with only one arm.
Yet despite defending on the same side as Cronk, Ferguson played down his teammate’s heroics.
When asked about the playmaker’s inspirational efforts in defence, Ferguson says: “He was alright.
“If he had a sore shoulder he wouldn’t still be tackling with it. He would’ve went off.
“I’m sure he will be fine.
“Plus I know the character of him. He’ll do anything for the team.
“And he was still tackling … he wasn’t missing tackles.”
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