In a tightly contested trial match, the New Zealand Warriors fell 38‑34 to the Dolphins, with forward Jackson Ford receiving a sin‑bin for a high tackle. The incident has put Ford’s availability for the season opener in the hands of the NRL’s match review committee.
Officials will assess the severity of the offence and determine whether Ford can return to the squad for the opening round, a decision that could impact the Warriors’ forward line for the start of the season.