Hard-working prop Jackson Ford and hooker Wayde Egan return for the One New Zealand Warriors’ elimination final against the Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium on Saturday (6.05pm kick-off).
The 27-year-old Ford last played in the 14-10 win over St George Illawarra in round 24 after which he was suspended for three matches for a crusher tackle.
Egan missed last week’s final regular season match against the Sea Eagles meaning he will now make his 150th career appearance against his former club this week.
Renowned for his reliable engine, Ford provides a much-needed injection of experience as he eyes his 97th career appearance in the Warriors’ second home final in two years.
Ford missed just one of the Warriors’ 21 matches before his suspension again proving his capacity for a heavy workload.
Used predominantly from the bench in the first 17 rounds, he was switched to a starting prop’s role in his last six matches in which he averaged 65 minutes, 127 metres and 43 tackles a game.
He is reunited in the front row with captain James Fisher-Harris with rookie Tanner Stowers-Smith reverting to the bench after starting the last three matches.
One change has been forced in the backline following centre Rocco Berry’s season-ending shoulder injury in the opening minutes of the 26-27 loss to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles last Friday night.
Head coach Andrew Webster has named Queensland State of Origin representative Kurt Capewell in the centres with Leka Halasima replacing him in the second row. Capewell has started in the centres six times previously this season as well as being moved there during games following injuries.
After finishing sixth on 34 points in the regular season, the Warriors earned a home playoff against familiar finals opponents the Panthers, who were seventh on the ladder one point behind.
Of the Warriors’ 21 finals matches since their first in 2001, three have been against the Panthers in 2003, 2018 and 2023, the most of any club.