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Live sport on SN this weekend'All systems go': Warriors star Jackson Ford set for return from injury
Jaxin Daniels • September 3rd, 2026 4:08 pm
Jackson Ford | Photo: Photosport
The Warriors may have secured a top-two finish and two home finals games, but coach Andrew Webster is far from satisfied.
The Warriors remain in contention for the minor premiership pending results this weekend, but Webster said the focus has quickly shifted to the next challenge - the NRL finals.
“Stoked that we've definitely secure a home final, and I think that the boys deserve that appreciation of the season they've had so far, but we're ambitious so we're moving on to our next task,” Webster said.
The club is also set to receive a huge boost with the imminent return of star forward Jackson Ford.
Once a Dally M contender before injury struck, the Australian is on track to make his highly anticipated from a torn pectoral muscle suffered against the Cowboys in Christchurch back in Round 16.
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“Jackson, at this stage, is all systems go for week one,” Webster said.
The Warriors have also had to manage their squad with the finals approaching, including resting Wayde Egan after the stand-out hooker has played every game of the season to date.
Kurt Capewell is also being managed after a demanding State of Origin period and picking up a few knocks.
“Wayde's played every single game this season, so he certainly deserves a rest,” Webster said.
“Capewell's had a busy origin period and got a couple of knocks and bruises, nothing to worry about,” Webster said.
Webster joked that resting the Warriors’ front-rowers was not quite as simple.
“I couldn't rest our front-rowers, mate. They wouldn't let me,” he said.
“I don't have enough guts to tell Fish and Barney. They know how to do what they want to do.”
With Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita returning from their injuries, Webster said he wouldn't risk anyone who was not fully fit.
“I wouldn't pick them if they're not 100 percent,” he said.
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“We want to win this week, and we want to put our best foot forward. And if that means they're available then great, if not, the next man will do the job.”
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s return remains less certain, with Webster declaring the high-flying wing "touch and go".
The coach is also preparing for possible finals opponents, with the Warriors’ match up not confirmed until after the Panthers play the Tigers.
“We're certainly ahead of it, looking at the opposition now,” Webster said.
“The players don't, they focus on this week and then let us worry about that for them.”
“I look at the teams we need to beat, and I look the team we need to be, to be a Grand Final team. It's getting closer, so if we want to be that team, we're going to have to improve quickly.”
The Warriors coach also intends to avoid overcoaching during the finals run, trusting the club’s leaders and assistant coaches to help guide the group.
“I think there's a real hunger there, and a sense that we haven't achieved what we wanted to yet,” he said.
Listen to the full interview:
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