Blake Ferguson has been named to make his top grade return at centre in the Sydney Roosters NRL trial against Manly on Saturday.
Ferguson had his first hit out for the Roosters two weeks ago in a lower grade clash in Wyong, but this will be his maiden first grade encounter in 21 months since his self-inflicted NRL exile in 2013.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been shifted from centre to the wing to make way for Ferguson.
Freshly anointed co-captain Jake Friend (shoulder) is the only big name missing from the Roosters' line-up to meet the Sea Eagles at Central Coast Stadium.
Friend is not expected to be fit until around round six of the NRL season.
Former Canberra rake Matt McIlwrick has been named to start at hooker, in an indication coach Trent Robinson views him as his No.1 hooker in Friend's absence.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been named at fullback following the retirement of premiership winning captain Anthony Minichiello at the end of 2014.
Boyd Cordner, Aidan Guerra and Isaac Liu make up the tricolours' back-row after Sonny Bill Williams' exit to rugby union.
Roosters: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Blake Ferguson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce (capt), Jared Waerea-Hagreaves, Matt McIlwrick, Sam Moa, Boyd Cordner, Aidan Guerra, Isaac Liu
Interchange: Jackson Hastings, Mitch Aubusson, Dylan Napa, Marty Kennedy, Kane Evans, Nene Macdonald, Willie Manu, Siosuia Taukeiaho, Brendan Elliot
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