JOSH Dugan will make his return to the NRL on Saturday after being named at fullback in the Dragons' side to take on the Parramatta Eels.

Dugan has not played since being sacked by the Raiders in March over a series of off-field discretions.

"I am really appreciative of the opportunity given to me by the Dragons and I can't wait to get out of the field and play," said Dugan.

"Game day can't come quick enough for me."

St George Illawarra coach Steve Price has named Dugan in an 18-man squad that also includes centre Matt Cooper, who is set to return from a toe injury that has kept him out of the past two matches.

DRAGONS: Josh Dugan, Jason Nightingale, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Daniel Vidot, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Dan Hunt, Mitch Rein, Michael Weyman, Tyson Frizell, Ben Creagh (c), Trent Merrin. Interchange: Bronson Harrison, Matt Prior, Jack de Belin, Jack Stockwell, Cameron King