Warriors’ Season Opener Hinges on Ford’s Disciplinary Hearing
The New Zealand Warriors’ preparations for their upcoming NRL season opener have been dealt a significant blow, with star forward Jackson Ford facing a potential suspension following a controversial hip-drop tackle during a pre-season trial match. The no-nonsense forward was sin-binned and placed on report by referee Grant Atkins in the first half of the Warriors’ 38-34 loss to the Dolphins at Leichhardt Oval on Friday. The incident occurred midway through the opening stanza, involving a tackle on Dolphins recruit Selwyn Cobbo.
While Cobbo was thankfully cleared of any serious injury and continued playing, Ford’s tackling technique is now squarely in the sights of the NRL’s match review committee. A hip-drop tackle is considered a dangerous play, and the committee’s assessment could well result in a suspension, casting a shadow over Ford’s availability for the Warriors’ crucial round-one clash.
This potential absence compounds an already worrying injury list for the Warriors. The club is already set to be without co-captain Mitch Barnett, experienced halfback Luke Metcalf, and utility player Te Maire Martin as they kick off their campaign. Adding to the concern, there are also injury clouds hanging over key players Marata Niukore, Chanel Harris-Tavita, and the highly anticipated returnee Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. The cumulative effect of these absences could severely test the team’s depth and resolve heading into the tough NRL season.
Adding a layer of irony to the situation, Ford himself was on the receiving end of some rough play earlier in the match. He was the victim of a shoulder charge from Dolphins prop Francis Molo, an incident that also saw Molo dispatched to the sin bin in the 53rd minute.
Interestingly, Molo’s time in the sin bin proved to be a turning point in the game, albeit not in the way the Dolphins would have hoped. With the Dolphins down to 12 men, the Warriors capitalised ruthlessly, unleashing a barrage of three consecutive tries. This period showcased a significantly improved performance from the Warriors compared to their lacklustre showing in the previous week’s loss to a young Manly outfit.
The Warriors had established a healthy 18-10 lead by halftime, bolstered by well-taken tries from Jackson Ford, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, and Wayde Egan. For the Dolphins, Selwyn Cobbo had crossed for their opening try of the evening, demonstrating his versatility by featuring at both wing and right centre throughout the match.
The second half saw the Dolphins rally, with tries from Brad Schneider, Trai Fuller, and Jamayne Isaako propelling them into the lead early in the period. However, as previously mentioned, Molo’s sin-binning provided the Warriors with the impetus they needed to regain control.
Ali Leiataua, Watene-Zelezniak again, and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava all touched down for the Warriors during this dominant spell. Following these tries, Warriors coach Andrew Webster opted to withdraw his star players, likely with an eye on preserving them for the upcoming season and managing workloads.
With the Warriors’ attacking firepower reduced on the field, the Dolphins seized the opportunity for a late surge. Tries from Tevita Naufahu, John Fineanganofo, and Brian Pouniu in the dying moments of the match ultimately secured a dramatic victory for the Dolphins, leaving the Warriors to ponder their pre-season performance and the looming disciplinary decision regarding Jackson Ford. The club will be anxiously awaiting the outcome of the match review committee’s findings, as it could significantly shape their approach to the season opener against the Sydney Roosters.
