Second rower Jackson Ford is the latest player to recommit to the One New Zealand Warriors after signing a two-year contract extension to the end of the 2027 NRL season.
The deal, stretching his stay to five seasons, follows Ali Leiataua, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak all being secured on new terms recently.
Initially signed on a two-year deal from the St George Illawarra Dragons last season, the 26-year-old Ford was then extended to the end of 2025 after his breakout 2023 campaign.
“Coming to the Warriors has been a great career move for Jackson,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“He immediately impressed with his work ethic and attitude, establishing himself as a first-choice back rower for us over the last two seasons.”
Ford missed just three of his first 46 games at the club until a knee injury sidelined him for the last five games of the 2024 campaign.
“Jackson has been terrific from the moment he arrived at the club,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“He works so hard every minute he’s on the field and competes on everything. The longer and harder a game gets, the better Jacko gets.”
Ford made only 33 NRL appearances across four seasons with the Dragons, the majority of them from the bench, but earned selection as a starting second rower at the start of his first season and filled that role for 35 of his first 36 appearances. Later in the 2024 campaign he was switched to the front row.
Consistently playing the full 80 minutes, he has averaged 103 metres and 36 tackles in his 43 games for the Warriors.
Profile | Jackson Ford
Born: February 17, 1998
Birthplace: Shellharbour, NSW
Junior club: Gerringong Lions
Position: Second row
Height: 187cm
Weight: 101kg
Previous club: St George Illawarra Dragons (2019-2022)
NRL debut: St George Illawarra Dragons v Gold Coast Titans, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney, August 10, 2019 (Rd 21)
One New Zealand Warriors No: 276
One New Zealand Warriors debut: v Newcastle Knights, Sky Stadium, Wellington, March 3, 2023 (Rd 1)
NRL games: 76 (2019-2024)
St George Illawarra Dragons: 33 appearances (2019-2022)
One New Zealand Warriors: 43 (2023-2024)
NRL points: 36 (9 tries)
