NZ Warriors prop Jackson Ford shelves kicking game in breakout season

Jackson Ford scores one of his two tries against Newcastle Knights.
Photo: www.photosport.nz

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NZ Warriors supersub Jackson Ford has promised to put his fledgling kicking game away, as he turns his attention back to the core skills of his new role for the NRL high-flyers.

During a campaign that has seen a myriad of changes throughout the Warriors pack, Ford’s unerring contribution off the bench has proved a godsend, but every now and then, he’s capable of something that shocks even coaches and teammates.

Three weeks ago, with his team trailling 12-4 against South Sydney Rabbitohs and time running out in the first half, he dribbled a delicate kick to the tryline that eluded scrambling defenders and his own impeded chase, but sat up for Warriors centre Rocco Berry to score.

That audacious act had eyes rolling in the clubhouse.

“Don’t kick it, Jacko, don’t kick it… oh, great kick, Jacko,” coach Andrew Webster re-enacted afterwards.

“He’s carrying on a bit,” winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak chuckled. “I thought he was going to kick it to me, but he backed himself and we got a result from it, so good on him.”

Lock Erin Clark revealed: “He went out with the kickers and catchers [at training] today – it’s gone to his head.”

Ford seems to have heard the whispers and is happy to leave the kicking to those more polished around him.

“I think that’s one and done for me,” he admitted. “Might have worked out all right, but I think I’ll put that in the back pocket.”

Truth be told, the Warriors don’t need any extra-curricular exploits from Ford – they’ve received great value from him already, as he embraces not only a change of position from edge to middle, but also a delayed entry into the contest on the interchange.

“We’ve got so much flexibility with Jacko,” Webster said. “He’s started plenty of times at back row before, so he knows that role.

“He can come off the bench and do a really good job. He plays big minutes and has a big motor, so there’s so much flexibility in that.”

Webster has used that ability as a ‘bait and switch’ this season, sometimes naming Ford to start in the front row, but dropping him back to bench before kickoff.

‘Method to the madness’

He was initially handed Mitch Barnett’s No 10 jersey against Cronulla Sharks for their last outing, after the co-captain suffered a season-ending injury against Souths, but sure enough, that selection didn’t stick.

“Some of it has just been through circumstance,” Webster admitted. “[Hooker] Sam Healey coming in to start last week and Kurt Capewell moving into the centres just complicates things, then you’ve got to move things late.

“There’s a method to the madness, but we know Jacko can do both and he’s been outstanding all year.”

Many players can’t adjust egos to a bench role, considering it some kind of demotion, but Ford seems to cherish the job, knowing he will still get starters’ minutes with his high workrate.

When star front-rowers Barnett (State of Origin) and James Fisher-Harris (suspension) were out against Canberra Raiders last month, Ford had the distinction of leading his team in both running metres (209) and tackles (43) – a feat matched by only three players this season.

Rocco Berry scores a try from Jackson Ford’s kick against the Rabbitohs.
Photo: David Neilson/Photosport

His achievement came in just 55 minutes, while the others – Terrell May twice for Wests Tigers, Patrick Carrigan for Brisbane Broncos and Keaon Koloamatangi for South Sydney – needed more.

Ford had no idea.

“I don’t look much into stats, I just put best foot forward for the team and hopefully stats will come off that,” he said.

“I don’t mind if it’s starting or coming off the bench, I’m just trying to do the best for the team.

“If it’s coming off the bench, I just try to bring energy, coming on, and taking that first carry or first tackle. Whatever role it is, I’m happy to take it.

“It’s always good to come on, after the starters have laid that platform for you and there are a few tired bodies in the middle there. Hopefully, you can take advantage of a bit of fatigue in their legs.”

If there’s one thing he’s tried to improve in his game, it’s self-belief.

“Mentally, if I make an error, I’ve had a hard time brushing it,” he said. “I’ve just been trying to work on that.”

In that context, a daring grubber kick here or there is a welcome sign of self-expression – especially if it pays dividends – but are there any other tricks left up his sleeve?

“Maybe the long ball to the winger,” Ford grinned. “I’ll tell Dallin to be ready.”

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