Blake Ferguson eating his way back for finals

Injured Eel Blake Ferguson has received the blessing of the Parramatta staff to down KFC and thickshakes among other things to try to bring him back from injury, as reported by Fox Sports. 

After landing in hospital due to a knee infection, the NSW Origin player has missed six weeks but wants to make a return in round 24 against the Broncos, according to Fox Sports.

Parramatta have ramped-up Ferguson's training workload and calorie intake over the last fortnight to bring him back for the finals.

"It's been like a mini pre-season to try and fast-track my fitness," said Ferguson.

"I lost a fair bit of weight when I was in hospital so we've just been focused on putting it back on in a smart way."

"I normally eat pretty healthy but the club has told me I can go for it in terms of calories."

"I've been getting into the Donut King thickshakes. And the Oporto burgers as well. Luckily it's easy for me to put weight back on."

"I'm trying to eat six meals per day. When it comes to dinner time, I eat two dinners every night."

Parramatta's head of athletic performance Lachlan Wilmot has noted how unique the project is.

"Fergo weighs in and weighs out of every training session," Wilmot said.

"From a diet standpoint Blake's been told he can consume as many calories as he can."

"But in his case it's important and he's also balancing it with plenty of calorie-packed smoothies and healthy meals."

Parramatta are hoping to break into the top four when they host rivals Canterbury-Bankstown at Bankwest Stadium on Thursday.