Back in 2023, Jackson Ford took a chance and signed with the New Zealand Warriors and the move has paid off tenfold for the prop forward.
Fast forward to 2026 and he has a new NRL deal until the end of 2029 and has established himself as an elite prop of the game.
That ascension has not gone unnoticed by the club with Warriors General Manager of Football and Recruitment Andrew McFadden praising Ford.
“Jackson has transformed his career since starting with us,” McFadden said.
“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 have him here long-term.”
That same praise also came from Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“Jackson was in the form of his life in the first half of the season. He was awesome,” Webster said.
“We were really confident in what we saw in him when we signed him.
“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.”