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Breakout star Jackson Ford recommits to Warriors
Sport Nation • August 5th, 2026 1:27 pm
Ford had been among the names mentioned as NSW considers likely changes for Origin III | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
NZ Warriors prop Jackson Ford has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2029 NRL season.
The 28-year-old joined the Warriors on an initial two-year deal ahead of the 2024 campaign and has since emerged as one of the competition's premier front rowers after making the switch from the second row midway through last season.
Ford enjoyed a career-best first half of 2026, averaging more than 173 running metres and 43 tackles across 13 appearances before a pectoral injury suffered against North Queensland in June cut his season short.
His outstanding form also saw him lead the Dally M player of the year standings for several weeks before voting went behind closed doors.
Mitch Barnett on Jackson Ford's Origin omission
Coach Andrew Webster said the club had always believed Ford could become a key figure in the pack.
"We were really confident in what we saw in him when we signed him," Webster said in a statement.
"We could see he had a massive motor and he worked really hard. He has proved that over and over ever since he came here. We love him."
Warriors general manager Andrew McFadden said Ford's rise had been driven by his work ethic and attitude.
"Jackson has transformed his career since starting with us," added McFadden.
"It's a testament to his work ethic and attitude that he has now established himself as one of the best front rowers in the NRL. It's fantastic to have him here long-term."
Ford's recovery timeline has him returning for Round 27 or the first week of the NRL Finals series.
