Although his Red V side lost 14-10 to the Gold Coast Titans, the 22-year-old starred at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, making 28 tackles, one tackle break and one offload in 59 minutes.

"It was good to get back in the side after a couple of weeks on the sidelines and get some solid minutes," Ford said.

"It was really frustrating to be suspended, as I thought I was really starting to string some strong, consistent performances together.

"However, I took it on the chin and have moved on."

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Rather than dwell on the past, Ford - who former coach Paul McGregor labelled as 'one of the best trainers he's ever seen - continued to work hard on his craft.

"Since the suspension, I've been really happy with my progress - although I'm always trying to improve, especially on the defensive end," he said.

Ford, with the Dragons only having four matches remaining in 2020, including Sunday's clash with the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, is keen to make the most of the opportunity,

"It's obviously really exciting to have that security in terms of my future secured," the Kiama High School alumnus said about his contract status.

"With a couple of spots opening up due to player departures, I'm going to do everything in my power to try and solidify my spot in the 17 - if not in the starting side.

"I want the club and whoever coaches next year to know I'm here to play."

Another player who will be at the club next season, pending the outcome his court case, is lock Jack de Belin, who this week agreed in principle to a deal beyond 2020.

"The news about Jack [de Belin] is really exciting and massive for me as a young forward, as he's taken me under his wing since I first arrived at the club," Ford said.

"He's one of the best ball-playing forwards in the competition and one of the most positive blokes at the club - I've learnt heaps off him.

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"I'd love to be able to add some of that ball-playing into my own game in the coming years."

Ford and a number of his former teammates at the Gerringong Lions, including Manly-Warringah's Reuben Garrick and New Zealand's Jack Murchie, are also growing their mullets for mental health awareness.

"It's obviously been a really tough past couple of months for everyone back home in Gerringong," he said.

"But everyone is trying to get around the initiative, started by Cal and Tyran Wishart.

"We all are trying to do our bit to raise awareness of mental health, but also some much-needed funds for the Black Dog Institute.

"We've raised more than $85,000 so far and will be growing our mullets for the month of September."

If you'd like to support the cause of Ford and his fellow Gerringong Lions, visit here.

Numbers to call if you or anyone you know needs help are:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia 1300 789 978

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36

Headspace 1800 650 890

QLife 1800 184 527