However, with Jack Bird suspended and Brayden Wiliame being promoted to the centres, the 23-year-old finally gets his chance after being named on Anthony Griffin's four-man bench for the club's clash with Newcastle on Sunday.

"Playing in the NRL is why I trained so hard all off-season and I'm really excited to get my first chance to prove myself on Sunday," Ford said.

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"Although I had hoped to be part of the squad since round one, I'm ready to make the most of this chance and cement my spot in the 17."

During his two appearances for the Red V's NSW Cup side, the Kiama High School alumnus is averaging 128 running metres, 40 tackles, five tackle breaks and one try per contest - in just 61 minutes of game time.

It's this kind of rampaging form that convinced the Dragons coaching staff that Ford was ready to make his first NRL appearance for the club in 2021.

"I'm full of confidence coming off those cup games, especially playing the full 80 minutes against the Sea Eagles last weekend," he said.

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"Especially being able to spend more time with [Adam] Cluney and work on our combination, which I hope will pay dividends this week.

"Hook [Griffin] has spoken to me and he wants me to be more relentless and aggressive in defence, whether that be on the right-edge or middle - as I've spent time in both spots at training.

"He obviously wants me to also bring energy off the bench whenever he calls my number.

"The boys have obviously started to really click the past two weeks and I'm going to do my best to help continue that run."

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