Spencer Leniu made a decisive impact in his final game for the Roosters, helping them beat Newcastle in Sunday night's grand final.
The 26-year-old played 24 minutes, broke two tackles, offloaded once and gained 94 metres from seven runs.
After criticism during three seasons at the Roosters, following five years with Penrith, he also avoided the ill-discipline that had troubled him.
Andrew Johns praised his contribution, saying, "They won field position and he came up with big runs."
"He's had a massive impact, he's used to these games, he's been here before ... what an impact he has had."
Coach Trent Robinson said Leniu handled being left out of the preliminary final well.
"We just asked him to play like him tonight, and geez, we needed it
"No one bends the line like him. We needed it in bucketloads tonight and it was really fortunate that he did."
Braith Anasta called the performance a "career game" and said Leniu would leave with a premiership ring and an opportunity elsewhere.
Brent Read reported on Monday that Leniu's move to Parramatta was close to completion, with a 2027 start and a deal that could run for four years.
"The deal is just about done, it's a long way down the path with Parramatta."
Read expected the deal to be completed within a fortnight, rather than during the Roosters' celebrations, and said Parramatta needed the signing.
Leniu is among several players leaving the premiership-winning Roosters squad.
Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton are heading to rugby union, Daly Cherry-Evans is joining Hull FC, and Connor Watson will join the Dragons in 2027 before moving to PNG in 2028.