Sydney Roosters hooker Jake Friend will make his return from injury during Sunday’s NRL grand final after he was included in the reigning premiers’ squad against Canberra.

Friend has missed the last 11 weeks because of a fractured forearm and calf strain but coach Trent Robinson has rolled the dice in the season decider.

Young dummy-half Sam Verrills will start, with Friend to come off the bench.

The 29-year-old’s inclusion pushes Zane Tetevano out of the side.

Meanwhile the Raiders will field the 17-man line-up they named earlier in the week with John Bateman and Josh Hodgson overcoming viruses and Joey Leilua a calf complaint.