One to watch: Jackson Ford

[blacksafake]

A great resigning who has all the skills and I predict will be a future captain.

Just needs proper coaching.

 

[watatank]

Smarty,
No mention of Host so is he on the outer or could he be manufactured into a prop ?
also no mention of Merrin even though he is signed for 2 years also ?
I just hope ford gets ample tutoring and game time .... as he has loads of potential

Backrower generally means edge forwards...Merrin is a middle forward and Host may not stay but if he does maybe it's as a middle forward.

 

[Dragon Revival]

After this year they will need to recruit three forwards for De Belin, Frizell and Graham. As we do not have any mediocre forwards now we should retain all our other forwards and recruit three top forwards to maintain some forward strength as we will lose two State of Origin Players plus a UK international.

 

[Old Timer]

I hope young Jackson has plenty of footage of his career up until now as it will all look very different if he has to play 2 years under Mc Fookknuckle.

 

[Saint Pedro]

I’d go With host as lock. I thought he was a hell of a tackler and can pass. Front rowers will be Vaughn, Kerr, merrin, Lawrie, Sims and hopefully Ivan drago coming through. I’ve heard good things about Eddie so see how they go. There is one other front rower who was supposed to be good coming through the reserves. Anyone know his name? Anyway, that mob of pigs could do a lot, but we all know why they don’t.

 

[BLM01]

Backrower generally means edge forwards...Merrin is a middle forward and Host may not stay but if he does maybe it's as a middle forward.

Host is on the outer. They are looking for another backrower and he aint no prop.

 

[BLM01]

Just needs proper coaching.

I hope that is all it is.

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

Stoked about Fordie

maybe not a starting backrower just yet but lets be honest he is being groomed in a step change of development

for me that step change is first bench backrower then end of 2020 and into 2021 putting pressure on a starting spot

Jackson is a bit of a weapon off the bench in the areas that make a big impact ie kick chase to pin us into good field position and secondly hitting the line against tired defenders

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

Basil said that Jackson is not a replacement for Friz

we are on the look out for a 4th backrower?

1. TSims
2. Tyrell
3. Jackson
4. new recruit ?

JDB ?
Host ?

Lawrie and Merrin and KSims all seen as props ?

 

[Como Connection]

I’d go With host as lock. I thought he was a hell of a tackler and can pass. Front rowers will be Vaughn, Kerr, merrin, Lawrie, Sims and hopefully Ivan drago coming through. I’ve heard good things about Eddie so see how they go. There is one other front rower who was supposed to be good coming through the reserves. Anyone know his name? Anyway, that mob of pigs could do a lot, but we all know why they don’t.

Agree, surely Host has more to offer at lock than Lawrie, but Host is Saints junior so a negative I guess.
CC

 

[redv13]

Host has been dicked around the last 2 seasons. Has never had a solid chance to impress and I’d have him at 13 any day of the week b4 Lawrie

 

[Dragon Revival]

I would prefer Host over Lawrie who is too small and makes little impact.

 

[BLM01]

I would prefer Host over Lawrie who is too small and makes little impact.[/QUOTE
But Lawrie has more impact than Host especially as plays in the middle. He is young and develop into a fine prop

 

[Dragonsamy]

Great news re Jackson he a good one

 

[getsmarty]

Jackson Ford discusses Dragons extension
Hear from promising rookie Jackson Ford on his two-year contract extension with the Dragons. Plus Ian Millward calls in to discuss Ford's signing.

https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2020/05/13/jackson-ford-discusses-dragons-extension/

 

[getsmarty]

Jackson Ford focuses on improvement after strong season debut

• 
  Courtney Ward

Dragons Den

Dragons' Jackson Ford is tackled by the Roosters' James Tedesco and Angus Crichton. Photo: NRL Imagery/Nathan Hopkins
GOING into the 2020 NRL season, many thought Gerringong's Jackson Ford was going to hit the ground running.

Ford, after making his debut in round 21 against the Titans in 2019, went on to play the next four matches for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the back-row.

However, instead of picking up where he left off last season, the Lions junior has been stuck on the sidelines until last Friday, when he made his season debut in his side's loss to the Roosters.


"It was great to get back on the field and get my first game of the season under the belt," Ford said.

"Although I didn't play big minutes [23], I thought it was a good starting point for me to build on in the coming weeks.

"Obviously there are things I'd change with my performance, including a couple of missed tackles and improved match fitness, but that's footy and I'll learn from it."


The 22-year-old will get the chance to continue his momentum this Friday, being named to start on the bench for the Red V when they travel to the nation's capital to face Canberra.

"We know it's going to be cold on Friday in Canberra but we can't worry too much about that - it's all about collecting those wins," he said.

Jackson Ford makes a run for the Dragons at the NRL Nines. Photo: NRL Imagery/Gary Day

When his number is called by coach Paul McGregor at GIO Stadium, he expects he'll link up with fellow Group Seven product Adam Clune on the left edge.

"Cluney and I have played a lot together in reserve grade the past few years and developed quite a strong combination," he said.

"It was good to play alongside him in the top grade for the first time.


"He's controlling the team well and I'm looking forward to teaming up again with him on Friday."

Ford, who recently extended his contract at the club until the end of 2022 season, knows he has to continue to perform on the field, with the Dragons having plenty of depth in the back-row stocks.

"There's plenty of competition for spots in the back-row at the moment, including the likes of Hosty [Jacob Host], Tyrell [Fuimaono], Tariq [Sims] and Friz [Tyson Frizell]," he said.


"It's great to be able to learn from those guys but also compete, which makes us all better.

"It's imperative I keep putting my best foot forward and grow as a player every time I step out onto the field - to ensure I become the best player I can be."

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...ses-on-improvement-after-strong-season-debut/

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

Jackson Ford focuses on improvement after strong season debut

• 
  Courtney Ward

Dragons Den

Dragons' Jackson Ford is tackled by the Roosters' James Tedesco and Angus Crichton. Photo: NRL Imagery/Nathan Hopkins
GOING into the 2020 NRL season, many thought Gerringong's Jackson Ford was going to hit the ground running.

Ford, after making his debut in round 21 against the Titans in 2019, went on to play the next four matches for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the back-row.

However, instead of picking up where he left off last season, the Lions junior has been stuck on the sidelines until last Friday, when he made his season debut in his side's loss to the Roosters.


"It was great to get back on the field and get my first game of the season under the belt," Ford said.

"Although I didn't play big minutes [23], I thought it was a good starting point for me to build on in the coming weeks.

"Obviously there are things I'd change with my performance, including a couple of missed tackles and improved match fitness, but that's footy and I'll learn from it."


The 22-year-old will get the chance to continue his momentum this Friday, being named to start on the bench for the Red V when they travel to the nation's capital to face Canberra.

"We know it's going to be cold on Friday in Canberra but we can't worry too much about that - it's all about collecting those wins," he said.

Jackson Ford makes a run for the Dragons at the NRL Nines. Photo: NRL Imagery/Gary Day

When his number is called by coach Paul McGregor at GIO Stadium, he expects he'll link up with fellow Group Seven product Adam Clune on the left edge.

"Cluney and I have played a lot together in reserve grade the past few years and developed quite a strong combination," he said.

"It was good to play alongside him in the top grade for the first time.


"He's controlling the team well and I'm looking forward to teaming up again with him on Friday."

Ford, who recently extended his contract at the club until the end of 2022 season, knows he has to continue to perform on the field, with the Dragons having plenty of depth in the back-row stocks.

"There's plenty of competition for spots in the back-row at the moment, including the likes of Hosty [Jacob Host], Tyrell [Fuimaono], Tariq [Sims] and Friz [Tyson Frizell]," he said.


"It's great to be able to learn from those guys but also compete, which makes us all better.

"It's imperative I keep putting my best foot forward and grow as a player every time I step out onto the field - to ensure I become the best player I can be."

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au...ses-on-improvement-after-strong-season-debut/

I like Ford, he’s not one of those whingers always looking for a release or upgrade. He’s happy to bide his time. I reckon he will go far.

 

[Saints Forever]

Jackson has speed

he could easily play centre if required

Brings energy and a sense of urgency when he comes on.

He should be getting a lot more game time soon.

has the right attitude.

Best of luck Jackson.

 

[Dragonsamy]

I also think that the new rules the 6 again will suit players with a bit of the pace and stamina and I think Jackson will fit right in I think he will eventually be within a year or so capable of playing a full 80 minutes very versatile quite quick and great attitude

 

[RufusRex]

He looks more an 80 minute edge than Fui ..
Fui to me still looks like our best option from the bench .. His first few games coming on mid game were superiour to the games where he started.