Convicted drug dealer Danny Wicks has been cleared to return to the NRL and take up a one-year deal with the Parramatta Eels.

The Eels on Wednesday announced the 29-year-old prop’s contract had been officially registered by the NRL.

Wicks spent 18 months behind bars after pleading guilty to three counts of supplying drugs in 2011, but has worked hard to turn his life around since being released.

He began pre-season training with the club in November and has stripped down to 106kg, nearly 25kg lighter than his former playing weight.

Wicks could make his Eels debut in their trial match against Wests Tigers in Alice Springs next Friday.

“This is the opportunity that I needed and I want,” Wicks said.

“And I’m going to give Parramatta and Parramatta fans what I’ve got.

“I’m the fittest I’ve been. I’m excited.”

The Eels and the NRL negotiated for months to grant Wicks a contract and he will have strict conditions imposed.

“This is my last chance,” he said.

“It might only be my second chance but this is my last chance and I’ll make something of it.”

He declared himself a changed person and said he had shed nearly a fifth of his body weight by giving up junk food and dedicating himself to training.

“It’s just commitment, I was young and silly before, now I’ve got my head in the right spot, I’ve got a completely different outlook,” he said.