Jackson Ford suffered a suspected pectoral injury during the New Zealand Warriors' win over the North Queensland Cowboys on Sunday [1].
The injury is a significant blow to Ford, as it likely ends his hopes of making his debut for New South Wales in the upcoming State of Origin decider [1].
Ford, a prop for the Warriors, was forced to leave the field after sustaining the muscle injury during the match on June 21, 2026 [1]. While the Warriors secured a victory against the Cowboys, the loss of Ford creates a void in their forward pack and alters the selection landscape for the New South Wales representative side.
The timing of the injury is critical given the proximity of the Origin decider. Pectoral injuries often require a recovery period that would preclude a player from returning to elite competition in time for a high-stakes representative match [1].
Ford had been viewed as a strong candidate for a debut call-up based on his recent form. His absence removes a key option for the New South Wales coaching staff as they finalize their roster for the final game of the series [1].
“Jackson Ford suffered a suspected pectoral injury during the New Zealand Warriors' win over the North Queensland Cowboys”
The loss of Jackson Ford removes a primary contender for the New South Wales State of Origin squad, forcing selectors to look for alternative options for the decider. For the New Zealand Warriors, the injury to a key prop disrupts their momentum following the victory over the Cowboys.
