Blake Ferguson will make his first top grade appearance since being stood down by the NRL following a controversial drinking session with former teammate Josh Dugan.

Ferguson will line up in the centres in the only personnel change for the Raiders, who suffered the biggest defeat in the club’s existence last weekend in a 68-4 mauling by Melbourne.

His return results in Jack Wighton moving out to the wing, with Reece Robinson named as 18th man.

Ferguson has not played in the NRL since June 15 against Penrith, a breakout season ruined by a late-night drinking session with Dugan as the pair celebrated their selection in the NSW team for State of Origin II.

The Raiders star was charged with assault as a result of an incident involving a female patron at the Cronulla nightspot, with the matter still before the courts.

The NRL cleared Ferguson to resume playing two weeks ago, but Canberra coach David Furner resisted the temptation to tinker with a winning side with Ferguson sent to play with feeder club Mounties in the NSW Cup.

But the record-breaking loss left Furner with little choice but to recall his strike weapon for Saturday night’s meeting with the Sydney Roosters, with the Raiders’ clinging to seventh spot on the ladder.