The Canberra Raiders hope the addition of Blake Ferguson to their rapid developing back line will help bolster their bid to be a competition powerhouse in the coming seasons.
Ferguson yesterday exercised the get-out clause in his Cronulla Sharks contract to sign a two-year deal with Canberra.
He will join established juniors Josh Dugan, Jarrod Croker and Daniel Vidot as the Raiders' attacking weapons.
Ferguson had a clause written into his Cronulla contract which allowed him to quit the Sharks if former Raiders great Ricky Stuart was no longer the coach.
When Stuart left his post as Cronulla mentor mid-way through this year, Ferguson – considered one of the best young wingers in the NRL – declared his intention to join a club capable of winning a premiership.
''I think they have one of the best forward packs in the competition,'' Ferguson said.
''David Shillington, Tom Learoyd- Lahrs, and with Brett White coming on board, that swayed me. The outside backs can't play if the forwards aren't getting a good roll on and giving you time with the ball.
''I want to get a spot in the centres, but I'm not going down there knowing a spot is mine, I am going to have to earn it.
''I just really like the way Canberra play, when Campese is on they are virtually unstoppable.''
Ferguson adds depth to an already talented back line, replacing Sydney Roosters-bound Justin Carney to add depth to Canberra's squad.
His arrival is likely to allow Joel Thompson to move back to his preferred position in the back row.
Raiders chief executive Don Furner hoped luring Ferguson and White to the capital would help dispel the myth that Canberra could not attract quality players.
''It's great to have Blake on board for two years, he's an exciting young player who will fit in well with the team we have down here,'' Furner said. ''With Blake joining the club next year, along with Brett White, it shows the Raiders are an attractive option for players and the future looks very bright.''
The Raiders are likely to chase just one more recruit to fill next season's roster.
For more on this story, see the print edition of today's Canberra Times
Source: The Canberra Times
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