The man who famously tried to take a chunk out of Billy Slater’s ear is finally ready to add some bite to Canterbury’s struggling pack.

England international James Graham’s 12-game NRL suspension for biting the Melbourne fullback’s ear in last year’s grand final loss is officially over – despite some suggestion he wouldn’t be available until round 10.

Graham will line up in Friday’s clash with the injury-hit Wests Tigers after missing the opening seven games this year.

Despite finishing last season in disgrace, as his biting video went viral on YouTube, Graham remains one of the most crucial missing pieces at the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs lifted themselves off the bottom of the NRL ladder on Sunday with a 24-8 win over Cronulla, but Graham’s absence as a leader and as a player has been felt all season.

And coach Des Hasler couldn’t be happier to have him back – and possibly fellow prop Sam Kasiano (leg).

“(Graham is) the captain of his country – he’s an international,” Hasler said.

“And the other one played for New Zealand (and) is an international as well.

“Obviously they’re quality players … They’re very important to this side.

“That’s going to create some real pressure now – some real desire and hunger and competition for spots, which is a healthy way to be.”

Graham was reluctant to talk about his comeback following the game, but five-eighth Josh Reynolds said the team was aware they could not expect too much from him and Kasiano straight away.

“It’s gonna help but we can’t rely on them,” Reynolds said.

“They’ve been out of the game for a long time now.

“People are going to think they’re gonna come back and change the world – it’s not going to happen.”