But by his own admission, his third year with St George Illawarra barely got out of second gear.

"The year definitely had its ups and downs that's for sure," said Ford, who enjoyed life in the Queensland bubble.

"It didn't really go according to plan, as I was in and out of the team so much - made worse by the fact there was no NSW Cup to fall back on at the backend of the season.

"Then when I did play, I was off the bench most of the time, trying to fill numerous roles such as back-row and lock, so it was tough to really build some momentum.

"Not to mention, I didn't know if I was playing or not each week until I got the tap on the shoulder from the coaching staff.

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"Living like that isn't great for the confidence, which probably translated into my form a little.

"Looking back on it, it's probably an individual season I'd like to forget - even though I've taken some positives from it."

Since returning from Queensland a fortnight ago, Ford has been recharging the batteries in Gerringong by playing plenty of golf, before pre-season kicks off on November 8.

"Between now and the start of training, the onus is on us to do our training and make sure we're in good shape when we return," the Kiama High School alumnus said.

"A focus for me has been to ease off the running and concentrate on trying to put on weight - ideally I'd like to be at 102kg when pre-season starts.

"I'm naturally one of the fittest forwards at the club, so that side of things won't be an issue for me, rather trying to get stronger, eating plenty of food and keeping the size on heading into 2022."

The main reason for Ford and the coaching staff wanting him to put on more size is to allow him to spend more time in the middle of the park.

Especially with the club be stocked with numerous second-row options including fellow Lions junior Tariq Sims, Tyrell Fuimaono, recruit Jaydn Su'a and utilities Josh Kerr and Jack Bird - who both spent time on the edge in 2021.

"Back-row has always been my more favoured position but with the club having such great depth in that position the past few seasons, I've been forced to play in the middle of the park too," the 23-year-old said.

"Having those guys as mentors in that position has helped show me the level I need to be at to contribute week to week there.

"At the end of the day though, I'm happy to play wherever the coach wants me to, as long as I'm in the 17.

"Looking at the lay of the land, there's probably more opportunity for me at lock, so that's why I want to put on more size - as I'm not one of the biggest blokes out there, it's important I make up for that in strength and fitness.

"I want to prove that I'm not one of those guys that bounces between first and reserve grade and prove I can be an asset to the team."

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An added incentive for Ford to "rip in" heading into the 2022 season is the fact he's off-contract at the end of next year.

"Next year is massive for me, as I don't have a contract past 2022," said Ford, who's played 28 games in this NRL career.

"I know the opportunity I have in front of me and I intend to make the most of it.

"Although I'm still young, it's getting to the point where I need to prove I belong in this competition, by performing every time I step onto the field.

"With plenty of new recruits coming to the club, competition for spots is going to be as tough as ever but I embrace that and will do everything I can to cement myself in the 17 - which is going to be close to the strongest I've seen at the club.

"To me, it's the most important season of my career because it can really set me up for years to come."

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