Ford, who played in five matches during his debut season, will start from the bench for the Dragons' clash with the Roosters at Bankwest Stadium - marking the first time he's pulled on the Red V in 2020.

The 22-year-old, who recently extended his Dragons' contract until the end of 2022, will be joined in Paul McGregor's squad by former Shellharbour Sharks Euan Aitken and Trent Merrin, as well as Albion Park-Oak Flats product Adam Clune.

Read more: Warner Bros launch sky-high venture with Eagles

Joining Aitken in the backline will be fellow centre Zac Lomax, wingers Jason Saab and Mikaele Ravalawa and fullback Matt Dufty.

Clune will partner Corey Norman in the halves, while Merrin will start at lock alongside Tyson Frizell, Tyrell Fuimaono, Paul Vaughan, Blake Lawrie and skipper Cameron McInnes.

Read more: A Wishart could once again prove decisive in Lions' premiership hunt

Joining Ford in the four-man bench are Ben Hunt, Jacob Host and Josh Kerr - with the imminently departing James Graham left out of the squad.

Gerringong's Korbin Sims is 18th man, with Tristan Sailor, Tim Lafai and Billy Brittain also among the reserves.

Kick-off on Friday is at 7.55pm.