Warriors fans are feeling for star front-rower Jackson Ford after he was ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a pectoral injury – ruining his chances of winning the Dally M. Ford has been one of the best players in the NRL competition in 2026 with the Warriors forward putting in multiple 80 minute efforts up front for the second-placed side.
There were plenty of calls for Ford to earn his State of Origin call-up for the NSW Blues with Payne Haas injured for Game 1. NSW coach Laurie Daley overlooked Ford, but he maintained his performances as he attempted to bash the door down for selection.
NRL fans can’t believe the Warriors have lost another player with Jackson Ford (pictured second from right) for up to 12 weeks with a pectoral injury. (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Ford was only three points behind Nathan Cleary in the Dally M race before the votes went behind closed doors. The front-rower had a huge chance to gain points during the Origin schedule with Cleary rested for the Panthers, but left the game against the Cowboys clutching at his pec on the weekend.
And the Warriors confirmed Ford would miss the next 10 to 12 weeks with the pectoral injury. This means he is unlikely to play another game in the regular season, but could return for the NRL finals.
Unfortunately, the 28-year-old’s opportunity to play for NSW in State of Origin Game 3 is over. ‘NRL Physio’ Brien Seeney claimed if Ford can track for a 10 week recovery, he could play the final couple games of games of the regular season.
But the Warriors might be keen to give Ford as long as possible to recover before returning for the finals. The Warriors currently sit in second and should be playing come NRL finals unless they capitulate. The Warriors have already lost Tanah Boyd and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for the season.
Regardless, fans are feeling for the Warriors leader. Ford has enjoyed his best season so far throughout his career, which has been curtailed thanks to a pectoral injury.
Warriors prepare for Dolphins clash
The Warriors face the Dolphins at Suncorp in a blockbuster 2nd vs 3rd showdown on the weekend. Tanner Stowers-Smith will start in the front-row in Ford’s absence alongside Mitchell Barnett. The Dolphins have won seven in a row and are the form team of the competition.
The Warriors proved too strong for the Cowboys last week and a win over the Dolphins will see them move four points clear of the Dolphins. The Roosters could close the gap to third with a win over the Broncos.
Dally M tally takes twist
Cleary led the Dally M tally on 38 points, before it went behind closed doors. Ford was on 35 and Dylan Edwards on 32. The Panthers fullback may have gained ground on Cleary during the Origin schedule, which has seen his teammate miss a number of games due to representative duty or being rested.
Jackson Ford (pictured right) will miss up to 12 weeks of NRL action. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
(Darrian Traynor via Getty Images)
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