Ferguson close to returning for Roosters

Blake Ferguson remains a strong chance to make his return from an ankle injury against Cronulla next weekend, with coach Trent Robinson joking he may need to get tips from Mitchell Aubusson after a starring effort in the centres against Melbourne.

Aubusson put in a polished performance in the Roosters’ 24-2 dismantling of the Storm on Monday night, prompting Robinson’s light-hearted suggestion for Ferguson to get a few pointers on playing right centre.

While it was said in jest, it illustrates the headache facing the Roosters mentor faces in reshuffling his side upon the one-time NSW star’s return.

Ferguson will come straight back into the side when he recovers from an ankle injury, most likely against Cronulla on Sunday.

Ferguson ran with the side during their captain’s run on the weekend but fell short of making his comeback against the Storm.

Robinson said he was no guarantee to turn out against the Sharks at Remondis Stadium however his progress was pleasing and he was wearing some big hits at training.

“We’ve got to actually see if (Ferguson) is going to play next week,” Robinson said.

“He’s been training well but there’s still some confidence to go and he needs to do a few more sessions this week before we get to the back end of the week and make that decision.

“He’s looking good but we had a bit of a joke he would have to spend some time with Aubo during the week to get some tips playing right centre.”

Ferguson’s return means Aubusson will most likely to move back to the bench, despite being a standout against the Storm, where he laid on two tries for Shaun Kenny-Dowall and scored one himself.

Aubusson has been the side’s Mister Fixit for most of his career since coming into grade in 2007, playing almost every position on the field.

Kenny-Dowall said Aubusson’s versatility was priceless and his selfless nature meant he was always putting the team first even if it meant playing out of his preferred position.

“He can play in the middle, play on the edge, play in the centres, he can probably play on the wing if he wanted to,” Kenny-Dowall said.

“He’s got a great array of skills and he can attack and defend and those are priceless amongst the team environment.

“He does what’s best week in and week out and we’re confident in his abilities.”

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