Webster: They're what we want to see in our players

Centre Rocco Berry and second rower Jackson Ford have earned contract extensions following their outstanding contributions in the One New Zealand Warriors’ watershed 2023 season.

The 22-year-old Berry and Ford (25) were both off contract at the end of 2024 but in the wake of their career-best campaigns they’ve been re-signed, Berry through to 2026 and Ford to 2025.

After making a total of just 15 appearances in 2021 and 2022, Berry more than doubled his career tally to 31 with 16 games this year.

Similarly Ford blossomed from an irregular first grader with St George Illawarra to a first-choice starting back rower in his debut season in Auckland, appearing in 24 of the club’s 27 games.

“Rocco and Jackson both thrived in the new environment created this season,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.

“Like so many players in the squad, their games went to a new level this year and there’s every confidence they’ll improve further next year and beyond.”

One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster said he’s thrilled to see the players rewarded for their performances.

“The terrific thing about Rocco and Jackson is their drive to become better each and every day,” he said.

“They’re great examples of what we want to see in our players with their commitment and their passion.

“Rocco made tremendous strides throughout the season, gaining in confidence as he was able to string a number of games together and show the ability we all know he has.

“Jackson hit the ground running the moment he arrived here, demanded a starting spot in round one and never let his standards slip.”

Berry formed a potent combination on the right edge with winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak as he finished his third NRL season with three tries, eight try assists, 10 line break assists, four line breaks and 31 tackle breaks while he averaged 75 metres and 17 tackles a game (with a 91 per cent efficiency rate).

He capped his 2023 season with a standout display for the New Zealand Kiwis A in their 36-26 win over Mate Ma’a Tonga A at Eden Park in October.

Used as a starting second rower in all but one of his 24 games, Ford was on the field the full 80 minutes 15 times and all 82 minutes in the golden point win against the Raiders, while in two other matches he played 77 and 78 minutes. He scored four tries and made nine line breaks and 73 tackle breaks while averaging 103 metres and 35 tackles a game.