Roosters offer Ferguson chance Lifeline: Blake Ferguson. The Roosters would only entertain the thought of securing wayward star Blake Ferguson if he went through a successful bush footy sabbatical like their former five-eighth Todd Carney. Having sacked Ferguson on Friday afternoon, the Raiders are firm in their belief the 23-year-old is headed to the Roosters next season. The NRL faces a major test over whether it registers his contract. NRL Integrity Unit chief operating officer Jim Doyle said Ferguson's recent behaviour would be reviewed before he could return to competition. "Following's Canberra's announcement, Blake Ferguson's registration has lapsed and he is no longer a registered NRL player," Doyle said. In light of the club's action and the circumstances that exist involving the player, it is unlikely the NRL will consider registering any new contract without first undertaking a full review of his situation. There has been widespread speculation Ferguson and his new manager, Sam Ayoub, met Roosters chairman Nick Politis during the week, but club sources deny any meeting has taken place. Roosters officials were impressed with what they saw from Ferguson when he played their side in August in his last match. They are wary, though, of his baggage. Indecent assault charges still hang over his head from a drunken night with former teammate Josh Dugan after their selection for NSW for Origin II. Should they be become interested, the Roosters would want Ferguson to follow the lead of fellow dumped Raider Carney, who spent a year playing bush football in north Queensland before being allowed to return to the NRL with the Roosters. Carney then won the Dally M and steered the Roosters to the grand final against St George Illawarra. Canterbury are also monitoring Ferguson's situation. Raiders management would be angered if the NRL immediately registered any contract with Ferguson. Canberra had little option but to sack him. He was the second representative player they have released this season; Dugan was shown the door in March and subsequently linked with the Dragons. It is understood the NRL has been bemused by the "Where's Fergie" sideshow and was angry as soon as reports surfaced last month that he was at a Gymea pub. Ferguson has linked with Ayoub after dumping long-term adviser Bobby Sutherland, the son of Joan Sutherland, who raised Ferguson after winning custody of him and his four siblings when he was 13. Ferguson has been by the side of second cousin Anthony Mundine in recent weeks but Mundine's long-term mentor, Khoder Nasser, has opted against taking charge of Ferguson's career although he does have a close relationship and huge amount of respect for Politis who has ensured Nasser's star charge Sonny Bill Williams has had a smooth transition from a stint in rugby to the NRL at the Roosters this year.