LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a league filled with bumps, bruises, and bone-jarring tackles, Jackson Ford stands tall as the lone warrior who has never shied away from the battlefield.
As the NZ Warriors gear up for the final stretch of the season, Ford remains the ironman of the team, having fought in every match of the 2024 campaign.
Facing the mighty Raiders under the Friday night lights at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Ford is ready to add another chapter to his impressive streak, marking his 18th consecutive appearance.
While a few of his comrades - Fonua-Blake, Barnett, and Montoya - have missed a skirmish or two, Ford has been a stalwart presence on the battlefield.
The toll of injuries this season has been a harsh reality for the Warriors, with key players from last year's squad sidelined.
The likes of Fonua-Blake, Montoya, Afoa, Ale, Johnson, and Pompey were forces to be reckoned with in every battle.
However, Ford has not only weathered the storm but thrived in his new role as a prop, showing versatility and resilience on the field.
With an average of 71 minutes per game, Ford's work rate is unmatched, constantly putting his body on the line for the good of the team.
His powerful running game has seen him average 104 metres per match, while his defensive prowess has him ranked fifth in the league for tackles, having made 640 tackles at an average of 38 per game.
As the season reaches its climax, Ford remains a shining example of determination and commitment in a sport where only the toughest survive.
The Warriors can count on him to lead the charge and inspire his teammates to fight until the final whistle blows.